It is a horrific story that makes most people feel uncomfortable and turn away. Americans, as some of the largest consumers of meat on the planet also practice some of the most cruel methods of factory farming, yet they are often the most difficult to engage about the reality of how pigs and other farm animals are treated during the slaughter or ‘processing’ phase.
Dragged, beaten, pushed with forklifts and shocked with electric prods - these are just a few of the methods used by factory farm workers to get pigs and other farm animals that are too sick, injured or weak to walk on their own onto slaughterhouse kill floors.
Farm Sanctuary, a farm animal protection organization, is currently petitioning American President Barak Obama to issue regulations to prevent these animals called "downers" - from entering the food supply.
The health of the American people is put at risk every time one of these debilitated animals enter the food supply, according to the petition. Science has shown that downed animals are at an increased risk of disease, as their hides can become contaminated during the hours or days they are often left laying on the ground, without food, water or veterinary care.
Each year, more than 100,000 to 900,000 downer pigs – are subjected to unspeakable cruelty to provide people with bacon and other pork-related products.
Under new USDA rules, slaughter of cattle that become downed at any time is banned for human consumption. While acknowledged as being a step in the right direction, Farm Sanctuary wants similar protection for downed pigs and all other farm animals.
Sign the petition to eliminate downer animal cruelty here.
Visit: www.farmsanctuary.org
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written by Patricia , December 15, 2009