Don’t Let the Farm Bill Undo State Animal Welfare Laws

Dear [Your Elected Official],

I am writing as a constituent and [veterinarian/veterinary student/veterinary technician/concerned citizen] to ask you to oppose federal efforts to preempt state laws that protect farm animals from extreme confinement. 
As the House and Senate work to reconcile their versions of the Farm Bill, some are working to include language (similar to the Save Our Bacon Act) that would undo state laws such as California’s Proposition 12 and Massachusetts’ Question 3. These laws, passed by voters, prohibit pregnant pigs (sows) from being confined for months in gestation crates, stalls so small that they cannot turn around, walk, or perform basic behaviors.
Scientific studies have repeatedly shown the physical harm and psychological distress imposed by these housing systems. For example, sows confined to gestation crates develop more bladder infections, bone weakness, and pressure sores, and exhibit more abnormal behaviors, such as bar-biting and sham-chewing. Experts also worry that the extreme confinement of farm animals negatively impacts food safety and human health. Properly designed and managed group housing systems have been proven to better protect both health and welfare.
I do not approve of the extreme confinement of farm animals, nor do I believe gestation crates can provide minimally acceptable standards of animal welfare. The preference of state voters, the welfare of farm animals, and public health must be protected. 
For these reasons, I respectfully ask you to oppose the inclusion of federal preemption language in the Farm Bill.

Respectfully,

[Your Name]

[Your Address]

[Your City & State]

Send me occasional emails about this issue

Hello, my name is ________________, and I live in [city].

I am calling as a [veterinarian/veterinary student/veterinary technician/concerned citizen] to ask the Senator/Representative to oppose federal preemption of state laws, like Prop. 12, in the Farm Bill.

As the House and Senate work to reconcile their versions of the Farm Bill, some are working to include language that would undo state laws such as California’s Proposition 12 and Massachusetts’ Question 3. These laws, passed by voters, prohibit pregnant pigs (sows) from being confined for months in gestation crates, stalls so small that they cannot turn around, walk, or perform basic behaviors. Scientific studies have repeatedly shown the physical harm and psychological distress imposed by these housing systems. Experts also worry the extreme confinement of farm animals negatively impacts food safety and human health.

I do not approve of the extreme confinement of farm animals.

The preference of state voters, the welfare of farm animals, and public health must be protected. My ask, again, is that the Senator/Representative oppose federal preemption of state laws, like Prop. 12, in the Farm Bill.

Thank you for sharing my comments.