The Farm Animal Stewardship Purchasing Act (HR 5557 ), which was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives last month, would dictate that government food programs could only purchase products from animals raised using approved production practices.
The purpose of the bill introduced by Rep. Christopher Shays (R-CT) is to "promote the humane treatment of farm animals" and declares that raising livestock for food or fiber in the U.S. shall be "carried out only by methods that promote animal welfare". The legislation would require the Federal Government to only purchase products derived from animals that are raised following specific guidelines.
The bill describes approved production practices as those which provide animals with:
- adequate shelter which allows sufficient space for the animal to stand, lie down, get up, walk, move his or her head freely, rest, and turn around completely and fully extend all limbs or wings without touching any part of an enclosure;
- daily access to adequate food and water sufficient to ensure the health and well-being of the animal without forced feeding or feed withdrawal; and
- adequate veterinary care, including prompt treatment or humane euthanasia of a sick or injured animal.
The bill currently has five cosponsors and has been referred to the House subcommittee on Livestock and Horticulture.
[Ed. As written, this bill would likely prevent federal government purchases of pork products from animals raised in conventional confinement facilities. If you would like to contact your elected representatives regarding this bill, their email addresses and contact information can be found by visiting the National Pork Producers Council’s Legislative Action Center and entering your zip code.]