(March 9, 2010) American Farm Bureau Federation President Bob Stallman wrote to members of the House on Monday expressing strong opposition to H.R. 4733, The Prevention of Farm Animal Cruelty Act , which would limit the federal government from purchasing animal products that are not “humanely” produced.
The legislation would mandate arbitrary “humane” standards for food animal production absent the professional judgment of veterinarians and livestock producers.
“The legislation is based on the presumption that farm animals are not routinely treated humanely. This premise is flawed and grossly unfair to America’s family farmers and ranchers,” Stallman told lawmakers. “On the contrary, modern animal agriculture has a consistent commitment to the best possible animal care and millions of research dollars have been committed to assuring the latest science-tested welfare practices. Every major U.S. livestock and poultry group has either a professionally developed, science-based quality assurance program incorporating proven welfare standards, or has created specific science-based animal welfare practices to which their members adhere.”
The bill was introduced last week by Reps. Diane Watson (D-Calif.) and Elton Gallegly (R-Calif.).
If enacted, the legislation would exclude operations that use battery cages or gestation stalls, and most other confinement practices except farrowing crates, from eligibility for the School Lunch Program, Defense Department procurement and other programs.
The bill specifies certain welfare standards, including requiring shelter that allows the animal to stand, lie down, walk, and turn around completely and fully extend all limbs or wings without touching any part of the enclosure or other animal. Confinement is permitted for sows seven days prior to the expected farrowing date.