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Action Alerts & Updates

California Governor Signs New Downer Protections Into Law!
(July 23, 2008)
California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has signed Assembly Bill 2098 into law, strengthening legal protection for downed animals. Setting a strong precedent for other states, California is no longer safe for those who abuse downers or the companies that employ them.

California: Prevention of Farm Animal Cruelty Act Officially Certified for the November 08 Ballot and officially designated as Prop 2!
(July 9, 2008)
Californians have succeeded in gathering almost 800,000 signatures and have officially qualified the initiative to ban cruel veal crates, gestation crates and battery cages for California's November 2008 ballot. We now advance to phase two of this groundbreaking campaign. Please join us in promoting the passage of this monumental initiative that will help to ease the suffering of more than 20 million animals in California!

California: Senate Hearing Scheduled on Animal Enterprise Bill
(June 12, 2008)
Dangerous legislation has just passed the California State Assembly and is now under consideration in the Senate Judiciary Committee. Farm Sanctuary calls on all those who care about animals and civil rights to contact members of the California Senate Judiciary Committee and urge them to reject AB 2296. Euphemistically known as the Animal Enterprise Protection Act, AB 2296 is a state version of the controversial, chilling federal legislation known as the Animal Enterprise Terrorism Act, quietly passed by a lame duck Congress in November of 2006.

Tell the USDA that Kids Deserve a Healthy Alternative to Cow’s Milk
(June 10, 2008)
The USDA is soliciting public comments on its child nutrition programs, including the National School Lunch Program. Give your input now and help make dairy-free alternatives available to kids in need.

Congress Overrides President’s Veto to Pass Farm Bill
(June 2008)
Following Congress’ vote to overturn President Bush’s veto, the 2007 Farm Bill has been passed with mixed results. The Farm Bill, which was the focus of animal agricultural industry lobbying groups, sets policy for the next five years on all aspects of agriculture—including farming, nutrition, conservation, and animal welfare.

NEW YORK: Take Action To Protect Downed Cattle
(May 20, 2008)
Senator Frank Padavan and Assemblymember Linda Rosenthal have introduced legislation to help curtail the abuse of downed animals-those who are too crippled or sick to stand on their own. Please call your New York state legislators and urge their strong support of these bills today!

The Trend to Stop the Cruelty of Foie Gras Hits Speed Bump - Your Help is Needed
(May 15, 2008)
Chicago Alderman Thomas M. Tunney, in a surreptitious move to avoid public input, bypassed committee debate and hearings and motioned to have the Chicago Ordinance banning the sale of foie gras repealed. Disappointingly, his efforts to subvert the system worked, and the council agreed on the repeal. While the repeal of Chicago's foie gras ban is disappointing, we are still moving full steam ahead in our efforts to stop the immense cruelty of foie gras production. Whether you live in Chicago or in any other part of the country, your help is needed now more than ever.

Chicago, IL: Ongoing Demonstrations for Victims of Foie Gras Production
(May 15, 2008)
May 14th was a sad day for animals and compassionate Chicagoans - a true step backward for humanity. The Chicago City Council voted to repeal the ban on foie gras, which it had passed in 2006 by a vote of 48 - 1.

Historic Law is Signed into Law in Colorado
(May 14, 2008)
Colorado has become the 4th state in the nation to ban cruel gestation crates and the 2nd to ban veal crates. Signed into law on Wednesday, May 14th, S.B. 201 will relieve Colorado's 150,000 breeding sows from the immense suffering of being immobilized inside tiny crates barely larger than their own bodies.

Chicago - Humane Ordinance is Under Attack
(May 14, 2008)
Farm Sanctuary has just learned that Chicago Alderman Thomas M. Tunney, in a surreptitious move to avoid public input, is planning on putting forth a proposal to repeal Chicago's foie gras ban TODAY, Wednesday, May 14, 2008 at 10 a.m. Your help is needed now to stop this attempt.

Winning Update on the Trader Joe's Campaign
(May 9, 2008)
After several undercover investigations into the abhorrent and inexcusable cruelty administered by the egg farm Gemperle, Trader Joes has finally decided to end the sale of eggs produced by this establishment. While this is major victory against one of the worst producers in agriculture, more action is needed. Please thank Trader Joe's for their recent decision to end purchases from Gemperle, and urge them to end all sales of eggs produced from battery caged hens.

Support Farm Animal Stewardship Purchasing Act (H.R. 1726)
(May 2, 2008)
The Farm Animal Stewardship Purchasing Act would force suppliers of meat, milk and eggs to federal programs to comply with basic animal welfare standards. Ask your federal legislators to support this legislation today!

Join Farm Sanctuary's Truth Behind Factory Farming Tour in Support of Landmark California Vote
(May 2008)
Farm Sanctuary has launched the Truth Behind Factory Farming Tour to educate the public about the cruelty of factory farming and encourage support for a landmark ballot initiative to ban veal crates, gestation crates, and battery cages. You are invited to see our mobile message truck and attend one of our upcoming ballot meetings to learn more about how you can help the campaign. Next stops: Marin, San Francisco, San Jose and more!

Landmark Report Supports Prohibition of Cruel Farming Practices: Tell Your Lawmakers Today!
(April 29, 2008)
On Tuesday, April 29, the Pew Commission on Industrial Farm Animal Production released the results of a more than 2-year-long study, confirming what farm animal advocates have always known: confining farm animals inside tiny crates and cages, subjecting them to routine mutilations, and pumping them full of antibiotics is untenable. The Pew Commission's findings support advancement of pending policy for farm animals, so ACT NOW and tell your lawmakers about the report!

California: Ask Grace Church to Choose Compassion Over Cruelty!
(April 23, 2008) Please Take Action Immediately
A fundraiser is being held for the Grace Church of Glendora, kindergarten, in which a young pig is to be raffled off and slaughtered. Hand-raised from a piglet by students from Covina High School, the young pig has only a few days left before he is butchered for this misguided fundraiser. Please take action now to urge the church to spare the life of the pig and grant him sanctuary instead of slaughter.

New York, Please Speak Up for Downed Animals!
(April 21, 2008)
New York State residents have an opportunity to ease the suffering of downed animals -those too sick, injured or diseased to stand. Legislation to provide protection for downed animals is currently pending in Albany: S3352 and A10564 tighten loopholes in existing policy, requiring the humane euthanasia of non-ambulatory farm animals. In light of the largest meat recall in history, spurred by documented footage of grossly inhumane treatment of downed cattle who were dragged, prodded and tormented to slaughter, it is time for New York to advance this humane policy. Please contact your legislator today.

Speak Out On The Undeniable Connection Between Large-scale Animal Farming and Our Earth's Environmental Problems
(April 17, 2008)
Industrial animal agriculture is responsible for some of the worst abuses to animals, but it's also responsible for more greenhouse gas emissions than the transportation industry, making it a leading cause of global warming. Industrial animal agriculture uses up precious water resources and fossil fuels and contributes to the loss of topsoil and deforestation. Filling the air with methane, nitrous oxide, and ammonia and our waterways with chemical stimulants, hormones and antibiotics - factory farming is a significant contributor to climate change and quality of life - and the public is largely unaware of its incredible impacts.

Arizona: Call Governor Napolitano Today to STOP Pro-Factory Farming Bill
(April 9, 2008)
The factory farming lobby is once again trying to stop animal advocates, concerned citizens and even local governments from having a say when it comes to the treatment of farm animals. S.B. 1373, introduced by Sens. Burns, Aguirre, Arzberger, and Flake, will prohibit city, state and county governments, as well as Arizona citizens from enacting laws regarding how egg-laying hens are confined on factory farms. Only the Arizona Department of Agriculture will have authority over standards set for millions of animals in the state, preventing any improvements to farm animal protection policy. After being rushed through both legislative houses by factory farm proponents, this bill has now been sent to the Governor's desk, where it awaits only her signature to become law!

Pennsylvania: Support Bill to Stop Cruel Pigeon Shoots
(April 9, 2008)
Among our many barnyard residents, Farm Sanctuary is home to several dozen pigeons-refugees from the cruel pigeon shoots held in some parts of rural Pennsylvania. Thankfully legislation in Pennsylvania is now under consideration to stop this cruel "sport." If passed, H.B. 2130 and S.B. 1150 will stop people from using live animals, including pigeons, as target practice. We need you to contact your legislators today to urge passage of this bill.

Historic Veal Crate and Gestation Crate Ban Passes Colorado Legislature; Awaits Governor Ritter's Signature
(April 2008)
In Colorado, Senator Jim Isgar (D, 6) introduced Senate Bill 201 (pdf) to ban the use of cruel veal crates and gestation crates. Senator Isgar's bill states that "calves raised for veal and gestating sows should be kept in a way that allows such animals to freely stand up, lie down, and turn around without touching the sides of their enclosure." A modest measure, and one that will make Colorado the second state in the country to ban veal crates and the fourth to ban gestation crates.

Take Action to Support the Downed Animal and Food Safety Protection Act
(Updated April 2008)
Downed animals-livestock who are too weak or sick to stand on their own-are some of the most abused farm animals in the factory farming industry. As many have seen in recent media coverage, the issues surrounding the abuse of downed animals are ongoing, and your help is needed to advance legislation that will help end this abuse. Find out what you can do today!

Support the Downed Animal Enforcement Act of 2008
(April 2008)
Downed animals, livestock too weak or sick to even stand on their own, are some of the most abused by the animal agriculture industry. They may be beaten, dragged with chains or pushed with forklifts in order to move them to the killing floor, all for the sake of profit.

Update on Maryland Bill for Pet Protective Orders
(April 18, 2008)
Among the most helpless members of the family, animals are often the target of domestic abusers, who may harm or kill family pets as a means of asserting control over other family members. In Maryland, legislation [SB 615 by Senator Raskin (D) and HB 1257 by Del. McComas (R)], was introduced to include companion animals in protection orders in cases of domestic violence. While this bill passed the full Senate, it failed to clear the House committee prior to the end of the 2008 session. However, you can still take action to help build support for next year's session.

Alabama: Oppose Legislation That Will Help Factory Hog Farms
(March 2008)
In Alabama, a bill has been introduced that will facilitate the growth of factory farms and hurt animals, local residents, and the environment. In brief, S.B. 368 would stipulate that factory farms cannot be deemed a nuisance or in violation of county or municipal ordinances or resolutions unless strict conditions are met, essentially allowing factory farms to operate with immunity from laws that apply to other polluting operations. Please take action now to stop this harmful bill!

Support Foie Gras Ban in Philadelphia!
(March 2008)
Philadelphia has a chance to join Chicago and the state of California in enacting a historic, humane law to ban the sale of foie gras. Following the successful efforts by activists in Philadelphia who have reduced the number of restaurants serving foie gras, Councilmember Jack Kelly is planning to reintroduce an ordinance to prohibit the sale of foie gras, made by force-feeding ducks or geese, within the city of Philadelphia.

Missouri: Tell Elected Officials Today to Oppose Horse Slaughter
(March 2008)
Missouri is considering a resolution urging Congress to support the continuation of horse slaughter in the U.S. This resolution even goes so far as to encourage Congress to offer incentives to create new slaughter plants throughout the U.S. If the Missouri legislature passes such a resolution, compassionate Missourians-who are appalled by the cruel slaughter of horses and do not want to see more horse processing plants-would be horribly misrepresented.

Maryland Foie Gras Bill Withdrawn
(March 2008)
Despite support from the public and strong evidence provided to the legislature, Maryland legislators have decided to withdraw proposed legislation banning foie gras production and sales after an initial hearing.

Urgent: Your Calls Needed Now to Halt Construction of a Massive Factory Farm in Jo Daviess County!
(March 2008)
A new level of animal cruelty and environmental devastation is poised to be introduced in Illinois. A proposal for a 10,000-head dairy factory farm, already rejected by the Jo Daviess County, is up for approval by the Illinois Department of Agriculture. Your calls are needed to make sure what would be the largest factory farm in Illinois is never built.

Tell the USDA: No More Downed Animal Abuse!
(March 2008)
The widely-publicized abuse of downed dairy cattle at the Hallmark/Westland Meat Packing Company in Chino, Calif. has upended the meat industry and set the stage for positive change. Those who think the abuses of animals slated for slaughter can continue to go unseen have now been put on notice that the public is watching and growing wary. Let's make sure the suffering of these animals was not in vain! Let the USDA know that the Hallmark case will not be forgotten and that the treatment of farm animals is a huge priority for the public.

New York: Act Now to Ban the Force-Feeding of Ducks for Foie Gras
(February 2008)
Legislation has been introduced in New York to ban the production of foie gras-positioning the state to follow the lead of California and more than a dozen countries throughout the world that already prohibit foie gras sales and/or production. Sadly, the suffering endured by foie gras ducks-who are confined inside tiny pens or cages and force-fed until their livers become enlarged up to 10 times the natural size-is still alive, well and flourishing in New York. The forced feeding of these animals translates into profits for the industry. As one former worker at a large North American foie gras production facility explained, "the best way to maximize profits is to get the biggest and, hence, the most diseased liver."

Ohio Update on the rBST issue!
The dairy industry's use of synthetic growth hormone (rBST) to boost milk production in cows has been under controversy since the FDA caved in to the lobbying efforts of Monsanto-a reckless and powerful agricultural biotechnology company-and rushed approval of the practice 15 years ago. State by state, the industry continues to lean on agriculture departments to silence debate on the issue, keeping consumers in the dark about the blatant cruelty and hazards of rBST's use in animals. The latest battleground was Ohio, where lawmakers were under pressure to ban product labels that could expose the dairy industry's use of rBST. After a flood of comments from concerned citizens, the Ohio Department of Agriculture has agreed to allow producers to label their products as "Made without the use of rBST."

Cloning of Animals for the Livestock Industry
In mid-January, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released a ruling permitting the use of cloned animals for human food. Although the FDA asked that producers voluntarily maintain a moratorium, the agency clearly gave a green light to industry use of cloned animal progeny.

End Cruel Factory Farm Confinement in New Hampshire
Your action is needed to help pass a bill in the New Hampshire State Legislature to ban three of the worst factory farming confinement systems: veal crates, gestation crates and battery cages. H.B. 1522, sponsored by Rep. Vaillancourt, is scheduled for a hearing in a House committee on January 24, 2008. We need you to help ensure the animals' voices are heard!

Presidential Politics and Farm Animals - What You Need to Know
With the primary elections underway, presidential candidates are being asked to take positions on many issues. But do you know how each feels about farm animal matters? Which candidates will support a ban on downed animals? Who will back a bill to keep taxpayer money from funding cruel confinement systems? Who has read the UN report identifying factory farming as one of the biggest contributors to global warming? Find out now where the candidates stand.

Sportsmen's Association Charged for "Gutless" Acts of Cruelty
(January 2007)
The Elstonville Sportsmen's Association, 3133 Pinch Road, Manheim, Pa. has been cited with eight counts of cruelty to animals as a result of charges filed on January 22, 2007 in District Court.

Lobby for the Animals

Tell the Rabbinical Council of America That Tradition is no Excuse for Cruelty

Ask San Joaquin County District Attorney to Enforce California's Downed Animal Protection Law

Save a Cow by Eating a Chicken?

"Organic" Factory Farms - A Contradiction in Terms!