Abuse of Pigs on Factory Farms

FROM THE FARM SANCTUARY:

Abuse of Pigs on Hog Farms is Systemic of the Industry – Please Take Action!

The recent investigation released on Wednesday by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals reveals the cruel and inhumane underbelly of the pork industry – the horrific practices that are routine on factory hog farms. These grossly inhumane actions – that would be considered acts of felony animal cruelty in most states if performed on a dog or cat - slamming the smallest and weakest piglets to the ground in an effort to kill them (thumping), slicing off the tails of piglets with no anesthesia, castration by a knife, and routine confinement of adult female “breeder” pigs for months at a time in crates so small they are unable to even turn around.

Sadly this treatment is not reported as animal cruelty – it is all legal – and perpetrated daily by the hog industry. Industry statistics show that about 10 percent of piglets die within the first two to three weeks of birth – during the same time that painful castrations and tail dockings are executed. And when those smallest and weakest are slammed against the concrete, they don’t always die instantly. Farm Sanctuary is speaking out on this cruelty and we urge you to take action!

You Can Help End the Abuse of Pigs by the Pork Industry:
There is much that you can do to reduce the suffering of these sentient and feeling animals and we urge you to please take action now.

1. Go Veg for Life! Reduce the demand for pork and other animal products by choosing to live cruelty-free. It’s the number one thing you can do to help animals. Order a stack of our Guide to Veg Living and pass them on to your friends and family today!

2. If you live in California or know anyone who does, please get active on the YesonProp2 Campaign. This historic measure will appear on the November 2008 ballot, of the largest agricultural state in the country. Californian’s will have the opportunity to vote YES to ban gestation crates, veal crates that confine calves and battery cages that confine egg laying hens. Each of these cages and crates are responsible for the suffering of millions of animals who are forced to live the majority of their lives with so little space that they are unable to even turn around or extend their limbs. Please get active on Prop 2!
   
   
3. Tell the USDA that Pigs Need Protection Too!
   The USDA has published a proposed rule on the “Disposition of Downer Cattle,” and is now seeking your input. Please send your comments today, supporting the USDA’s proposed rule that all downed cattle – including those who become downed after inspection – be banned from slaughter. This is also an ideal time to urge the USDA to include pigs in this protection! Comments are due by September 29, 2008 so please send yours in today, and encourage your family and friends to do the same! Please take action now to help downed animals.
   
   
4. Legislation is now pending in Congress called the Farm Animal Stewardship Purchasing Act (FASPA) and it would force suppliers of meat, milk and eggs to federal programs to comply with basic animal welfare standards. This includes a provision banning the use of gestation crates for these suppliers. Ask your federal legislators to support this legislation today!