A 2003 Gallup poll revealed almost two-thirds of Americans "support passing strict laws concerning the treatment of farm animals."  In a 2003 Zogby poll it was determined approximately 70% of Americans say it is "unacceptable" farm animals have no federal protection from abuse while on the farm. In that same poll, it was found nearly 75% want farms to be "inspected by government inspectors to ensure that regulations to protect animals from cruelty are being followed."

Yet, the cruelty of factory farming continues.

The Farm Animal Stewardship Purchasing Act has been introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives. The bill, HR 1726, would require producers supplying meat, eggs and dairy products to the federal government or under one of its programs to provide certain basic care and humane treatment to the animals. That means those supplying the military, prisons, government offices, and courthouses as well as school lunches, Head Start and other such programs must comply.

The bill would require these producers to provide:

(1) adequate shelter which allows sufficient space for the ...animal to stand, lie down, get up, walk, move his or her head freely, rest, and turn around completely and fully extend all limbs or wings without touching any part of an enclosure;

(2) daily access to adequate food and water sufficient to ensure the health and well-being of the ... animal without forced feeding or feed withdrawal; and

(3) adequate veterinary care, including prompt treatment or humane euthanasia of a sick or injured ... animal .

The standards are basic, but it's a start.    

The bill was introduced by Rep. Peter DeFazio (D-OR). There are 7 co-sponsors. Click here to see if your representative or your favorite presidential candidate is a co-sponsor. Co-sponsors of Farm Animal Stewardship Purchaisng Act 

If passed, these animal welfare guidelines would mean anyone who sells meat, eggs or dairy products to the federal government or one of its programs cannot, for example, confine animals such that they cannot even turn around or extend their limbs or wings. These suppliers will not be able to withhold veterinary care from animals and just leave them to die. Hens cannot be starved or subjected to forced molting to increase egg production.  Animals that are too sick to walk cannot be forcibly dragged to slaughter with chains, forklifts and the like. Do not look for foie gras on the menus at military bases or Congress' dining halls. The guidelines would prevent suppliers from force feeding animals.

Don't wait until this bill is up for a vote. Write or call members of Congress now. Organize letter writing campaigns in your community. Contact Animal Law Coalition for help. 

Click here to contact members of the U.S. House of Representatives.    Members of the U.S. House of Representatives. Also, HR 1726 has been assigned to the Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy and Poultry. Please write or call the committee members and urge them to support this bill.  For a list of subcommittee members, click here.  Members of Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy and Poultry

A copy of the bill is in ALC’s Pending Bills.