Tell the USDA that Animal Cruelty is Unacceptable

As a supporter of animal rights and The Humane Society of the United States, I feel a duty to share a heartbreaking and horrifying truth with you. You may find this difficult, if not impossible to read, just as I have found it deeply, deeply painful to write. If you can't bring yourself to read past the first few words, all you need to do is click on the following link and take a few seconds to sign the petition. You can trust that you DO support the cause: Stop the Cruelty and Abuse of Weak and Injured Calves.

Did you know that under current federal law, slaughterhouses have the option of slaughtering calves who are too weak or injured to stand—so-called “downed” calves? These infant calves, some just days old, can suffer extreme abuse including repeated electric shocks, kicking, and beating as workers try to drag the helpless animals to slaughter. No  animal should have to endure such cruelty, pain and suffering.

In response to a petition by The Humane Society of the United States, USDA has tentatively approved rules to remove the option of slaughtering calves who cannot stand and require that downed calves, like adult downed cows, be immediately and humanely euthanized. Now, USDA is requesting comments from the public on whether to make this change permanent.

I know this issue is important to you. Please fill out and submit the form at the link below, and please urge the USDA to protect calves from abuse by permanently adopting these new rules. The HSUS and I encourage you to add your own thoughts or comments about this issue in the editable portion, so the agency knows how important this issue is to you.