ASPCA Opposes Dangerous Rule That Would Increase Slaughter Line Speeds

WASHINGTON, DC - Today, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced a proposed rule to allow for increased slaughter line speeds in poultry and pork establishments, and remove essential safeguards relating to the speed at which animals can be slaughtered. In response, the ASPCA^® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals^®) issued the following statement:

"Billions of farm animals are already subjected to inhumane handling and unnecessary cruelty throughout their lives within the industrial agriculture system," said Nancy Perry, senior vice president of Government Relations for the ASPCA. "Slaughtering animals even faster than the breakneck speed currently standard at plants will increase suffering, undermine food safety, and put workers at even greater risk of injury without meaningfully reducing food costs. We urge the USDA to reconsider the impacts on animals and workers and stop extreme-speed slaughter."

For more information about the ASPCA or to join the Advocacy Brigade, please visit www.aspca.org.