If I’ve learned anything during my time as an animal advocate, it’s that persistence is key. A few years ago, Mercy For Animals and six other organizations petitioned the USDA to prohibit the slaughter of downed pigs.

That petition was denied.

Since then, we have led efforts to introduce the Industrial Agriculture Accountability Act (IAA) in Congress. The IAA would close the loophole that allows pigs who can’t stand or walk to be slaughtered.

Earlier this month we sent a letter to the Biden administration. We’re urging the president to direct the USDA to enact rules that prohibit the slaughter of downed pigs.

Farmed pigs become downed due to disease, fatigue, and inhumane handling that results in injuries so serious the animals are unable to stand. Downed animals suffer terribly. They are often left without food, water, or protection from the elements. These pigs endure long hours in excrement-filled holding pens while they await slaughter.

Currently, consumers have no way to determine whether the pork products they consume originate from downed pigs.

According to a 2022 Columbia Journal of Environmental Lawarticle, the slaughter of downed pigs for human consumption constitutes an increased food safety risk. And despite recent outbreaks of avian influenza and “mad cow” disease, the USDA plans to wait until a serious public health crisis to act.

Mercy For Animals and our allies are calling on President Biden to direct the USDA to enact regulations to remove downed pigs from the food supply.

We need to maintain public pressure on our elected officials. We must be persistent. Add your voice and remind the president that he has the authority to stop the slaughter of downed pigs.

We cannot wait for the next public health threat. Please join us in speaking out today.