Current Press Releases

USDA Prohibited from Funding the Slaughter of Downed Animals for Human Food

Watkins Glen, NY - November 17, 2003 - The U.S. Senate passed legislation to prohibit the USDA from spending funds to certify meat from downed animals for human consumption. If enacted, the groundbreaking legislation, as part of the Senate Agriculture Appropriations bill, will effectively prevent the inhumane transportation and slaughter of downed animals.

The amendment, offered by Senator Akaka, will abolish the market for downed animals, and provide the necessary incentive to prevent downed animals in the first place. Nearly 90 percent of downed animals-animals too sick to stand or walk-can be prevented with better care on the farm and during transit.

While the Senate Agriculture Appropriations bill contains this appropriations limit, the House version does not. A conference committee, made up of House and Senate legislators, is currently addressing differences between the two bills. The irresponsible slaughtering of downed animals for human food will be prohibited only if Akaka’s downed animal provision is included in the final version of the Agriculture Appropriations bill.

Downed animals suffer horribly. They are commonly dragged with chains or pushed with tractors and forklifts on their way to slaughter, and commonly languish for hours or days without receiving food, water or veterinary care. Left to suffer, many die of injuries and neglect before reaching slaughter.

With over 100,000 active members across the country, including celebrities Casey Affleck, Kim Basinger, Noah Wyle, Alicia Silverstone, and Hollywood legend Mary Tyler Moore, Farm Sanctuary, the nation’s leading voice for farm animals, works to end farm animal suffering through legislative and legal actions, cruelty investigations, humane education, public awareness projects, and direct rescue and shelter efforts.

About Farm Sanctuary
Farm Sanctuary is the nation's leading farm animal protection organization. Since incorporating in 1986, Farm Sanctuary has worked to expose and stop cruel practices of the "food animal" industry through research and investigations, legal and institutional reforms, public awareness projects, youth education, and direct rescue and refuge efforts. Farm Sanctuary shelters in Watkins Glen, N.Y., and Orland, Calif., provide lifelong care for hundreds of rescued animals, who have become ambassadors for farm animals everywhere by educating visitors about the realities of factory farming. Additional information can be found at www.farmsanctuary.org or by calling 607-583-2225.