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HSUS >> Factory Farming >> Campaigns

Farm Animal Legislation

In the United States, 10 billion land animals are raised and killed annually by the meat, egg, and dairy industries. Despite the incredible number of individuals and the routine suffering too many endure, these farm animals do not receive protection under the federal Animal Welfare Act. Moreover, 95 percent of the animals slaughtered each year do not receive protection under the federal Humane Methods of Slaughter Act. And, while each state has its own animal cruelty code, most states exempt common farming practices, no matter how abusive. As a result, across the country, billions of farm animals are denied virtually any protection from the cruelties and inhumane conditions on today's factory farms.

The HSUS works hard to enact laws that protect farm animals from the abuses they all too commonly suffer throughout their lives—on factory farms, during transport, and at slaughter. Whether through ballot initiatives, state, or federal legislation, The HSUS is a leader when it comes to making humane public policy changes.

Pending Legislation

» Federal Legislation
» State Legislation

Highlighted Efforts

» Colo. Governor Ritter Signs Historic Farm Animal Welfare Measure into Law
» Anti-Cruelty Measure Certified for California's November Ballot
» Signature gathering is under way to place the California Prevention of Farm Animal Cruelty Act on the November 2008 ballot
» Santa Cruz, Ca., City Council becomes the ninth city government to unanimously pass a resolution condemning the intensive confinement of egg-laying hens in battery cages
» Cambridge, Mass., City Council becomes the sixth to unanimously pass a resolution condemning the intensive confinement of egg-laying hens in battery cages
» Oregon becomes first state to ban gestation crates through action of its state legislature
» Arizona voters vote overwhelmingly to protect pigs and calves
» Takoma Park, Md., City Council becomes the first to unanimously pass a resolution condemning the intensive confinement of egg-laying hens in battery cages
» Lawmakers with a Conscience: The Farm Animal Stewardship Purchasing Act
» Chicago: City Council Won't Swallow Foie Gras Cruelty
» California Decides to Permanently Pull Foie Gras Off the Menu
» Voters Protect Pigs in Florida, Ban Cockfighting in Oklahoma