Number: RS21978
Title: Humane Treatment of Farm Animals: Overview and Issues
Authors: Geoffrey Becker, Resources, Science, and Industry Division 
Abstract: Animal protection activists in the United States have long sought legislation to modify or curtail some practices considered by U.S. agriculture to be acceptable or even necessary to animal health. Members of Congress over the years have offered various bills that would affect animal care on the farm, during transport, or at slaughter; such proposals could again be introduced in the 111th Congress. Members of the House and Senate Agriculture Committees generally have expressed a preference for voluntary rather than regulatory approaches to humane care. Meanwhile, animal activists have won initiatives in several states to impose some care requirements on animal producers.
Pages: 4
Date: December 10, 2008