One of the largest threats facing animals in the United States right now will soon come to a vote in the House of Representatives. You can take action to stop it by taking a quick moment to contact your elected officials. The House Agriculture Committee has passed its 2018 Farm Bill out of committee, with Representative Steve King’s dangerous amendment …
Will New York Ban Cruel Practice of Force-Feeding Birds?
Compassion Over Killing (COK) has sent a letter in support of State Bill S1559, legislation that would ban the painful and cruel force-feeding of birds in New York, home to two of the nation’s largest foie gras factory farms. COK writes, “New York is one of the only states in the US where this practice continues, and hidden-camera footage taken by …
US Reps. Deutch & Gabbard Take US VegWeek Pledge to Next Level!
Earlier this year, more than 70 elected officials along with thousands of people across the country took Compassion Over Killing’s 7-Day VegPledge for US VegWeek. Many have shared their stories about how taking this pledge changed their lives. This week, two Congressmembers who participated in US VegWeek — Rep. Ted Deutch (Florida) and Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (Hawaii) — publicly embraced …
Farm Bill Update: Dangerous King Amendment is Dead
We’re thrilled to share the exciting news that the dangerous King Amendment, which would have nullified state-level protections for farmed animals and threatened environmental and food safety laws, is officially dead! Last night, Senate and House negotiators agreed to drop the controversial King Amendment from the Farm Bill.
Massachusetts Unites for Farmed Animals
Earlier this week, hundreds of people—including animal advocates, non-profit organizations (such as Compassion Over Killing), veterinarians, vet students, and countless other caring individuals attended a public hearing in Boston, Massachusetts to show their support for a bill aiming to protect farmed animals in the state.
Will the US Start Horse Slaughter Again?
Remember the UK’s “horsemeat scandal” that prompted public outrage, meat recalls, and overall led to our neighbors across the Atlantic eating less meat? Yes, the discovery of horse DNA in some “beef” products caused quite a fuss . People began questioning the lack of oversight in food production methods as well as food safety. But, the issue also drew attention to how deeply cultural “food” norms run through our society. The scandal drew a bitter reaction from some because of the idea of eating an animal who is seen in many cultures as a companion or pet.
Ag-Gag: Media Blows Whistle on Anti-Whistleblower Bills
Animal agribusiness interests are working feverishly to pass state-level anti-whistleblower laws aimed at criminalizing undercover investigations. In 2012, such laws passed in Iowa and Utah, and so far this year, “ag-gag” bills have been introduced in nearly a dozen states. Why?
Hen Protection: The Meat Industry’s Problem With Federal Hen Protection Bill
Earlier this year, Rep. Kurt Schraeder (D-OR, and the only veterinarian in the Congress) introduced the Egg Products Inspection Act Amendments (HR 3798) that outlines a ban on the use of barren battery cages on egg factory farms nationwide. In addition to providing hens with more living space and environmental enrichments such as perches, nesting areas, and scratching areas so hens can engage in more natural behaviors, it also mandates that all egg cartons sold in the U.S. include a label that clearly identifies the method of production (i.e. “Eggs from Caged Hens”).
Ground-Breaking News: Federal Law Banning Barren Battery Cages & Mandating Production-Method Labels on Egg Cartons to be Introduced
In an historic agreement reached today by the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) and the United Egg Producers (UEP), these long-time adversaries will work cooperatively to enact the first-ever federal law related
to the treatment of chickens. It would also be the first federal law related to the on-farm treatment of animals raised for food.