US bill: Prevention of farm animal cruelty
Two US representatives from California have introduced the Prevention of Farm Animal Cruelty Act to set a higher animal welfare standard for food purchased by the federal government.
The bill, introduced by Congress members Diane Watson and Elton Gallegly, and called H.R. 4733, requires that any food purchased for federal programmes comes from animals raised with enough room to stand up, lie down, turn around and stretch their limbs.
"Americans are increasingly demanding that we move away from abusive confinement in tiny cages on factory farms," Watson said. "The federal government has a responsibility to help lead the way on this important issue, just as many of our nation's largest companies are starting to do."
"This bill requires meat producers who sell to the federal government to follow the same guidelines that California producers have in place to ensure the animals are raised humanely," Gallegly said.
The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), the nation's largest animal protection organisation, praised the proposal.
• Humane Society of the United States (HSUS)
To comment, login here
Or register to be able to comment.