HSUS Urges Congress to Pass Farm Animal Stewardship Purchasing Act

WASHINGTON — Yesterday, Congressmen Christopher Shays (R-CT) and Peter DeFazio (D-OR) introduced the Farm Animal Stewardship Purchasing Act, a bill requiring animal producers supplying meat, dairy products, and eggs to the military, federal prisons, school lunches, and a variety of other federal programs to comply with moderate animal welfare standards. The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), the nation's largest animal protection organization, praised the proposal and encouraged Congress to act swiftly to pass the bill, H.R. 5557.

The Shays/DeFazio bill outlines basic animal welfare principles and would require that producers supplying the federal government provide farm animals with adequate shelter and space, daily access to food and water, and adequate veterinary care. While the guidelines set forth in the bill are very modest, if passed, those seeking to sell animal products to the federal government would not be permitted to starve or force-feed animals, leave sick or injured animals to languish without treatment or humane euthanasia, or confine animals so restrictively that they are unable to turn around and extend their limbs.

"The way a society treats its animals speaks to the core values and priorities of its citizens," Rep. Shays said. "Our government can have a tremendous impact in encouraging improved treatment of animals by requiring producers to meet basic federal animal welfare requirements. I look forward to working with Rep. DeFazio and HSUS on building support for this legislation." Shays is Co-Chair of the Friends of Animals Caucus.

"Increasingly, Americans are demanding we treat farm animals more humanely," Rep. DeFazio said. "As a major buyer of farm animal products, the federal government can and should help lead the way, encouraging more humane practices."

Each year, the federal government spends billions of dollars purchasing food products for a variety of programs and agencies, including the National School Lunch Program, the Armed Services, and the Bureau of Prisons. While consumers are demanding better animal welfare standards and many national corporations have stopped selling eggs from hens kept in "battery cages" and adopted other food reforms, the Shays/DeFazio legislation would help move the market in this direction and provide an incentive for producers who raise animals according to basic standards.

In the United States, many companies including McDonald's, Burger King, Wendy's, Whole Foods Market and Wild Oats Natural Marketplace have raised standards for suppliers in recent years. Across the Atlantic, the entire European Union is mandating welfare improvements for suppliers as well.

"We are grateful to Congressmen Shays and DeFazio for introducing this important legislation, which would dramatically improve the lives of the millions of animals being raised for the meat, eggs, and dairy products that the federal government purchases," commented Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of The HSUS. "Congress decided nearly a half century ago with the passage of the first humane slaughter law that farm animals deserve a merciful death. Now it's time to give these animals a merciful life."

A 2003 Gallup poll found that nearly two-thirds of Americans "support passing strict laws concerning the treatment of farm animals." And a 2003 Zogby poll found that nearly 70 percent of Americans find it "unacceptable" that farm animals have no federal protection from abuse while on the farm, and nearly three quarters believe that farms ought to be "inspected by government inspectors to ensure that regulations to protect animals from cruelty are being followed."

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The Humane Society of the United States is the nation's largest animal protection organization with 9.5 million members and constituents. The HSUS is a mainstream voice for animals, with active programs in companion animals, disaster preparedness and response, wildlife and habitat protection, animals in research, equine protection, and farm animal welfare. The HSUS protects all animals through education, investigation, litigation, legislation, advocacy and field work. The non-profit organization is based in Washington and has field representatives and offices across the country. On the web at www.hsus.org.