Farm Animal Abuse—How You Can Help

Friday, March 1, 2013 - 10:00am
chickens

This month nine states are considering legislation to criminalize the documentation of animal abuse on farms. “Ag-gag” or anti-whistleblower bills prevent the exposure of photos or video showing the unethical and often highly unsafe practices that all too often occur on industrial farms. This kind of evidence has recently led to cruelty prosecutions, massive food recalls and industry reform. The ASPCA is working hard to make sure these dangerous bills do not become law and you can help by reaching out to your representatives.

There is a reason that footage of farm animals is controversial. The vast majority of U.S. farm animals are raised on factory farms in filthy, overcrowded ammonia-filled sheds. They lead short lives full of suffering and frustration, are bred for unnaturally excessive growth and production, and are regularly dosed with antibiotics to compensate for their wretched surroundings. They also, way too often, are subject to cruel and depraved acts of violence.

The good news is that awareness of farm animal welfare is on the rise in all sectors: among consumers, farmers, legislatures, retailers, prosecutors and even food corporations. Better treatment of farm animals has simply become an ethical imperative, and the ASPCA is on the scene, educating the public, fighting for stronger laws and supporting more humane farming practices.

To learn more, check out our updated and comprehensive web pages containing lots of information on farm animals. You’ll find useful information on animals raised for food, what’s wrong with factory farming, and great resources for making a difference, including how to make more welfare conscious food choices.

We’re thrilled to be your go-to source for farm animal information and encourage you to get educated and engaged to help billions of animals.

Tags: 
Advocacy
Animal Cruelty
Farm Animals
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Comments

Fri, 03/01/2013 - 12:05 — Cara (Visitor)
I'm hoping we can stop this savagery as soon as possible. Animals have the right to NOT suffer.

Fri, 03/01/2013 - 12:19 — Sheila Winkler (Visitor)
I think this bill is long overdue. I think it is disgusting the conditions these poor animals are forced to live in. I recently read an article where a group of horses in Midvale, Utah had been starved so badly that they even ate the bark off of the trees. Fortunately, the 2 individuals involved in this horrible deed were arrested and I hope they go to prison for a long time.

Mon, 03/04/2013 - 20:42 — Sheri Greb (Visitor)
Please pass the bill so that ALL animals being raised for food are treated humanely and well. It will make for a healthier society and a civilized one. These practices now are barbaric, inhumane and not fit for a Super country.

Mon, 03/04/2013 - 20:42 — Sheri Greb (Visitor)
Please pass the bill so that ALL animals being raised for food are treated humanely and well. It will make for a healthier society and a civilized one. These practices now are barbaric, inhumane and not fit for a Super country.

Thu, 03/14/2013 - 13:38 — Raíssa (Visitor)
In my opinion, I think one thing these acts of heartless people. People who only care about themselves. There are many animals needing help. I know you can not save everyone, and that even with everything being done, these people will never stop. But what little I can do to help, I would do! Count me in for whatever you need.

Mon, 03/11/2013 - 09:30 — Netty WM (Visitor)
Everyone please read the article carefully! It is saying that we do NOT want to support the passage of ag-gag bills or any other legislation that would allow animal abuse to be covered up.

Fri, 03/01/2013 - 16:18 — Christine (Visitor)
Legislation for this should be passed. The images used by ASPCA, PETA, as well as HSUS misrepresents the agricultural industry as a whole. These attacks on how our food is produced makes it harder for people who DO care very much for their animals to produce wholesome safe products because the increase costs of care. I work one on one with farmers to keep their animals healthy and comfortable everyday. I stand by the products they produce because I know the standards they are held to. The work they do is out of love for the animals. As a registered veterinary technician I educate our clients (the farmers ) on proper antibiotic use so it doesn't enter the food supply and I also have many conversations about improving comfort for the animals. All the farms in our area have VERY happy healthy animals.

Sun, 03/03/2013 - 20:36 — Sheila (Visitor)
Then surely you and your clients have nothing to fear from exposure and honesty? You would prefer to hide the misdeeds of others rather than highlight your own supposed high quality care and treatment of farm animals??

Mon, 03/04/2013 - 12:45 — Shawna (Visitor)
It is good that the farm you work with does this. But, Peta and the ASPCA would not have these photos if it were not happeneing. Out of sight out of mind seems to be the take here. You know if all farmers would take the stance and raise animals in humane conditions then this would not be a problem. There neeeds to be a stand taken on abussive treatment of animals and this is one step forward.

Mon, 03/04/2013 - 14:30 — Christine (Visitor)
If your clients were doing the right thing, they'd have a live feed going out on the internet 24/7. But they're not, so they want to hide behind ridiculous legislation.

Tue, 03/19/2013 - 20:23 — Aaron (Visitor)
Thanks for chiming in. I grew up on a dairy farm and visit hundreds of them in my work each year. Welfare advocates should be pleased to know that the wording on this site totally misrepresents what I see everyday in my farm visits. I have no problem with transparency and accountability, but when a video comes out, groups like the HSUS and ASPCA broadly demonize what tens of thousands of farm families proudly do for a livelihood each day in order to feed a growing population. These cows get more professional oversight and attention by vets, nutritionists, etc than people do and are usually happy and in great shape. "Cow comfort" has been a huge buzzword amongst farmers as long as I've been around because healthy cows benefit farmers and consumers. I don't think these bills would be drafted if welfare advocates were more judicious with their rhetoric and in broadcasting the exceptions they find. Regardless of whether this bill passes or not, the farmers' pursuit of continuous improvement won't stop. As my family did, everyone I come into contact with takes a lot of pride in their animals and livelihood. I would encourage anyone with concerns to schedule a visit to a local farm for themselves and ask questions about why they do what they do. It is amazing the science and technology on these farms.

Sun, 03/03/2013 - 17:04 — Jan (Visitor)
What are the nine states? Article doesn't list them!

Sun, 03/03/2013 - 20:05 — Shari (Visitor)
Abusers should be punished

Sat, 03/09/2013 - 17:45 — Diane Doty (Visitor)
Those poor Animals in badly abusive by mean people works in Chinese Fur Farms...HORRIBLE Country of full of Athesists. This has to STOP it... Hopefully the REAL COPS from American need to go RESCUE all the Animals and SAVE all Animals.... Mean People need to be in Jail for long time. This is the worst video of Chinese Fur Farms about how they abusive Animals. HORRIBLE and SICKEN!!!

Mon, 03/04/2013 - 12:28 — Kim (Visitor)
this must end now!!!

Mon, 03/04/2013 - 12:32 — Cindy de la Garza (Visitor)
Please protect animals. Don't let it become illegal to videotape or film in anyway because that's the only way people find out the truth and make things better!

Mon, 03/04/2013 - 12:33 — Robert Paladini (Visitor)
Stop taking money from meat industry lobbyist, you are there to represent the people's first amendment rights.

Mon, 03/04/2013 - 12:34 — Sara Menchaca (Visitor)
Stop animal abuse!

Mon, 03/04/2013 - 12:36 — Theresa Garbarino (Visitor)
Please stop this heinous cruelty to these poor defenseless chickens.

Mon, 03/04/2013 - 12:37 — Theresa Garbarino (Visitor)
Please stop this heinous cruelty to these poor defenseless farm animals.

Mon, 03/04/2013 - 12:49 — zona29@hotmail.com (Visitor)
Help these poor animals in these horrible conditions of being in cages for months on end. Let them roam in the pastures green grass where they are suppose to be.

Mon, 03/04/2013 - 12:42 — Liz Coronella (Visitor)
Cruelty to animals wether to those for food or pets is never humane.

Mon, 03/04/2013 - 12:46 — tara (Visitor)
why is this even an issue? We wish to place video cameras everywhere so as to make criminals behave but we cant do it for animal safety? ridiculous.

Mon, 03/04/2013 - 13:11 — Shari Yard (Visitor)
When we start protecting people that are abusive and inhumane to promote the almighty dollar we know this world is headed for trouble. What is next? Are we going to punish those that witness abuse in a day care, nursing home or school and report? You cannot turn a blind eye when you witness something that is wrong. These animals feel pain and fear and they have the abiliy to suffer so they need to be protected. Get these rotten humans out of there and convict them. Allow cameras and taping so they can be protected!!!!

Mon, 03/04/2013 - 13:13 — Liliana Espejo (Visitor)
Lets stop this

Mon, 03/04/2013 - 13:17 — Lara Phillips (Visitor)
Humans should be punished for causing suffering on those who do not have a voice!!

Mon, 03/04/2013 - 13:27 — C (Visitor)
Agreed

Mon, 03/04/2013 - 13:30 — Kris wells (Visitor)
Cruelty must stop! All animals deserve respect and humanity!!

Mon, 03/04/2013 - 13:45 — Liz (Visitor)
Please protect animals. We can all help by not buying any meat or animal products. Go VEGAN!!! Do it for the innocent victims. Let's have compassion for all animals!!!

Mon, 03/04/2013 - 13:46 — Mindy Blas (Visitor)
All animals have feelings, have a heart!

Mon, 03/04/2013 - 13:51 — Sandra Lincoln (Visitor)
This is just insane that this is allowed to go on and on. Please know that ALL creatures have the right to a humane life. This must be stopped!!!

Mon, 03/04/2013 - 13:56 — margaret (Visitor)
please dont cage them up! so curl to them

Mon, 03/04/2013 - 14:02 — Nick esposti (Visitor)
Because this is senseless and unacceptable

Mon, 03/04/2013 - 14:25 — Bambi Fegley (Visitor)
Inhumane! Please stop.

Mon, 03/04/2013 - 14:37 — Ann Moore (Visitor)
Cruelty to farm animals and all animals in fact will always happen behind closed doors! It's just the way minds of lots of humans work. Probably because they can't get off with being cruel to another human so they take it out on an animals that can't ' Talk Back '. Farm animals should be respected 'cause they feed the nation. They should be treated with respect when they are living and die with as much care as possible.

Mon, 03/04/2013 - 17:04 — Kathleen Walsh (Visitor)
Stop!!!

Mon, 03/04/2013 - 17:15 — Fathom Clark (Visitor)
Please stop this! All creatures should be treated with dignity and respect!

Mon, 03/04/2013 - 17:33 — Marlena Calvin (Visitor)
Animals deserve rights! They feel pain as much as we do. It's disgusting that we allow them to be treated this way. Please help them.

Mon, 03/04/2013 - 18:06 — dawn tenuto (Visitor)
please stop all this pain

Mon, 03/04/2013 - 19:00 — sharon blankley (Visitor)
There's no need to treat animals so cruelly.

Mon, 03/04/2013 - 20:21 — Karen Nicholas (Visitor)
Stop the abuse!

Mon, 03/04/2013 - 21:10 — Rosa Ramos (Visitor)
Please stop animal cruelty of any and all kinds!

Mon, 03/04/2013 - 21:30 — Monica (Visitor)
Stop the abuse

Mon, 03/04/2013 - 21:38 — Amber Zinser (Visitor)
Any animal abuse such as the above is simply wrong and unacceptable. This needs to change as soon as possible!!!

Mon, 03/04/2013 - 22:17 — Katie LaRoche (Visitor)
Shame on the people who do this for a living. How can they sleep at night? I encourage every person to either purchase animal products from grocers like Whole Foods or become vegetarian.

Mon, 03/04/2013 - 23:14 — Stacey Edwards (Visitor)
These are living creatures, you should be ashamed of yourselves.

Tue, 03/05/2013 - 01:29 — M Stegall (Visitor)
Please pass bills to stop all animal abuse! It is cruel and barbaric!

Tue, 03/05/2013 - 09:56 — Donna (Visitor)
Animals are God's amazing creature's! You have no right to abuse and torture what He has created. He is watching you! God bless the animals and the people who help them.

Tue, 03/05/2013 - 10:14 — Jenny Layman (Visitor)
No animal should suffer for human beings. Its pathetic and shameful and there is no way that the people putting animals through this are good people. For some reason, many believe that as long as you aren't hurting humans, then you are doing nothing wrong. I disagree. If you can harm, make suffer, ect any living, breathing thing, you are horrible. Please lets stop the terrible treatment of these animals!

Sat, 03/09/2013 - 09:36 — Diane Doty (Visitor)
This has to STOP abusive Animals. Praying and Praying for the Real Cops will go over there to RESCUE and SAVE the Animals. Chinese Fur Farms are pure EVIL...NEED TO STOP this!!!! PLEASE HELP THE ANIMALS and SAVE the ANIMALS.. Thank You and God Bless!! Diane S Doty

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