Current Press Releases

Florida Passes First U.S. Law Against Cruel Farming System

Sets Nationwide Precedent by Banning "Gestation Crates"

For the first time ever, a cruel farming practice has been banned in the United States. On November 5th, Florida voters enacted amendment 10 to outlaw gestation crates, two foot wide metal enclosures where breeding pigs are confined for years. This inhumane device prevents animals from fulfilling their basic needs, causing both physical and psychological disorders.

A bill to prohibit gestation crates was proposed in the Florida legislature in 2000, but it died without a hearing. Gene Baur (formerly Bauston), president of Farm Sanctuary, recalled a conversation with Steve Basford, a Florida pork producer, "He [Basford] said confidently that if legislation restricting gestation crates was introduced in Tallahassee, his industry could kill it. Instead of addressing humane concerns, he flaunted his industry's political clout."

After Florida's legislature failed to address this topic, Florida's citizens began collecting signatures to place a measure on the ballot. Nearly 700,000 signatures were collected, and on November 5th, the amendment was enacted by Florida voters. "Florida has set a national precedent and sent a powerful message to agribusiness. Citizens believe that farm animals deserve protection from cruelty. I hope that agribusiness will take this to heart and be more receptive to humane concerns in the future," said Bauston.

Unfortunately, pigs, cattle, chickens and other animals are routinely subjected to inhumane conditions on industrialized farms, and legal protection in the U.S. is grossly inadequate. Farm animals are specifically excluded from the federal Animal Welfare Act, and they are excluded from most state anti-cruelty laws.

Humane organizations and animal advocates believe the Florida victory will lead to similar reforms across the nation. Bauston commented, "Agribusiness treats animals in ways that are completely out of line with popular sentiments. When consumers learn about cruel factory farming devices, they are appalled."

Farm Sanctuary is the nation's leading farm animal protection organization. With over 100,000 active members, Farm Sanctuary works to end the suffering of animals used for food production through legislation and legal action, humane education and public awareness projects, and direct rescue and shelter efforts.