Thousands of pigs, goats and sheep become downed at U.S. slaughterhouses each year. Because they are treated differently from cattle under current regulations and are still eligible for slaughter, the industry will often stop at nothing to force these animals to the kill floor. As cited in our petition, reports demonstrate workers kicking, beating and dragging these defenseless animals, allowing them to be trampled by other animals, and leaving them to languish for long periods of time without food, water or veterinary care.
All animals have the capacity to suffer, and there is no reason why other farm animals shouldn’t be afforded the same consideration that has been extended to cattle. Please join us in urging the USDA to take the next logical and necessary step by extending the rule to include downed pigs, goats, sheep, and other farm animals too.
You Can Help
FSIS has invited public comment on Farm Sanctuary’s petition. Please take a moment to submit your comments directly to the agency, by going to here and filling out the required information. In the organization field, you can write “none.” Comments are due on April 8, 2011, so please take action today and ask your friends, family and co-workers to do the same.
You can refer to the sample comment below for guidance when writing your own but, for maximum impact, please personalize your message with your own words.
Finally, please let us know you’ve submitted comments by sending us an e-mail.
Sample Comment
Dear FSIS officials:
I am writing to urge you to please extend current regulations requiring that downed cattle be immediately and humanely euthanized to cover other species of farm animals as well. Thousands of pigs, goats and sheep become downed at federally inspected slaughter facilities each year and, because they are still eligible for slaughter, these defenseless animals are often subjected to extreme abuse. All animals have the capacity to suffer, so please take this necessary next step to afford downers of other species the same basic protections that have been extended to cattle.
