ASPCA’s Post

Following more than 10 years of advocacy from farmers, consumer protection organizations, and animal welfare groups, the USDA has finalized the Organic Livestock and Poultry Standards (OLPS) Rule, closing loopholes in the National Organic Program that put millions of animals at risk. The new requirements improve protections for hundreds of millions of animals raised annually on organic farms, including prohibitions on cruel practices such as debeaking birds, docking pigs' tails, and putting mother pigs in gestation crates. The Rule also increases organic farm transparency and clarifies that enclosed, screened-in porches DO NOT qualify as "outdoor access." We thank all of the animal welfare groups, advocates, and supporters who were instrumental in getting the final rule across the finish line, and look forward to the substantial benefits it will finally bring to animals, organic farmers, and consumers. #farming #usda #animalwelfare

The Australian Meat Industry Council decision to mandate VSS as a component of AAWCS is an industry initiative made in consultation with other stakeholders, such as RSPCA Australia. Animal rights groups that attack industry create an environment of hostility and mistrust, and provide no room for balanced discussion as they only seek to impose their anti-meat agenda. Only through constructive dialogue between industry and reputable animal welfare organisations can sensible and evidence-based solutions be formed to improve welfare outcomes. #meatindustry #meatprocessing #meatexport #australianagriculture #animalwelfare Murray Watt The Hon. David Littleproud MP Susan McDonald Ed Husic MP Bridget McKenzie Anthony Albanese Meat & Livestock Australia National Farmers' Federation Cattle Australia Sheep Producers Australia Red Meat Advisory Council (RMAC) Australian Meat Processor Corporation Australian Lot Feeders' Association Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Department of Industry, Science and Resources

More gaslighting, misinformation and misdirection from RSPCA this weekend. The hollow and meaningless 'For Every Kind' campaign accompanying their rebrand, is designed to make us believe that they are actually acting according to their mission, vision and values. The reality is that, despite Mr Sherwood's claims, the charity does not protect the lives of 'farm' animals, does not encourage plant based living, continues to endorse, and profit from the violence and cruelty of animal agriculture, does not campaign against the very existence of animal agriculture in all its forms, and has created a rating system that is so poorly policed and so hollow in its scope as to be utterly meaningless. Their video sounds like the values of a vegan charity: the end of speciesm, a move away from animal agriculture and towards healthy plant based living. But it isn't that at all. It's a video of cognitive dissonance, one designed to allow the organisation to feel good about itself while it continues to fail millions of sentient beings. The charity has always been more concerned with direct debits than direct action; it has always been a charity for 'domestic pets' rather than 'livestock'. Even their website, already void of any real details of the cruelty of farming and slaughterhouses, uses the desensitising marketing terminology of animal agriculture, referring to animals as 'cattle' or 'dairy cows', promoting the myth of free range, organic, grass fed, high welfare - all designed to further separate the consumer (supporter) from the horrendous consequences of their choices. I'm sure those chicks poured live into grinding machines, or pigs gassed in metal chambers, felt so much better knowing their short lives had been endorsed by the RSPCA! No one is calling the RSPCA woke; but more people are calling out their hypocrisy and cowardice. And that can only be a good thing. https://lnkd.in/e-Nt7DKH

Amidst rising consumer concern for animal welfare and increasing commitments from companies to source cage-free eggs, the launch of the inaugural Asia Cage-Free Benchmark is a call for deeper engagement from governments in Asia. The report assesses the progress of governments across the region in supporting the industry shift towards cage-free farming. https://lnkd.in/e2TXqmF3

Review of the latest ANSES's publication on #AnimalWelfare #Labelling 🔎 The French Government Agency's guidelines include:  ✅ A 5-tier system for mandatory labelling (4 tiers if voluntary)  ✅ An assessment focused on animal welfare level through outcome indicators  ✅ Consideration of all stages of the animal's life (farming, transport, slaughter) for animals in both production and breeding/parent flocks  ✅ A collaborative approach involving all stakeholders A solid base that aligns with the principles of the French Etiquette Bien-Etre Animal 👏 👏 For a more effective labelling, what about integrating the method of production label as the first level of information for consumers, in addition to the A-E rating? Check out our position on the subject ➡ https://lnkd.in/ezSm4NVx

This means that animal welfare can now, for the first time, be properly considered alongside other impacts of farming to help identify which farming systems are best. This is vital for improving animal welfare in livestock production, at a time when demand for meat is rising globally and the way animals are farmed is changing - with concerns about the welfare of intensive and indoor systems. Animal welfare assessments could also enable consumers to be better informed when choosing what to eat.

In Alberta ⚖️🗣👮♀️Alberta SPCA now responsible for AFAC's ALERT Line With the recent closure of the Alberta Farm Animal Care (AFAC) Association, the Alberta Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) is now handling calls received by AFAC’s ALERT Line. The ALERT Line, a resource for Albertans to report concerns or get information about livestock within the province, is still operational for now. If you believe an animal located outside of Edmonton and Calgary is in distress, the best number to call is the Alberta SPCA Animal Protection Line at 1-800-455-9003. ALERT Line is an anonymous, producer helping producer call line. If you have questions or concerns about animal welfare, call THIS NUMBER to report it 1-800-506-2273 When should you call the ALERT Line? AFAC has been hit hard in recent months, including a lack of government funding,” Merna Gisler, chair of AFAC, said in a statement. “This is by no means the conclusion we wished to see happen, but the Board feels this is the responsible action to follow.” AFAC’s expenses have been in the red in recent years. If you are concerned that livestock may be neglected or in distress If you have a question about livestock care or livestock care practices If you see livestock that are in an emergency situation i.e barn fire, trailer rollover, barn roof collapse If you are in need of assistance or support in taking care of your own livestock If you need an Emergency Livestock Handling Equipment Trailer If you aren’t sure whether or not you should call – call! We’re happy to answer any questions and it’s better to be safe than sorry! Examples of calls we’ve received: Livestock that are looking thin Snow on a cow’s back – is that okay? No water Can’t see any wind break or shelter

Unveiling the Truth: The Power of Undercover Investigations in Animal Welfare. In today’s world, transparency and accountability drive change and foster a humane society. Undercover investigations are powerful tools in highlighting critical issues. A recent example is the investigation supporting World Animal Protection’s "Confined in Cruelty" report published this week, which reveals the harsh realities of factory farming in the UK. The "Confined in Cruelty" report details the expansion and practices of UK factory farms. While compelling, it is the undercover footage that we obtained from factory farms in the UK that truly brings the research to life. A Catalyst for Change Published by #TheIndependent, (https://lnkd.in/eMqexS-q) the footage has amplified the report's impact. By documenting inhumane conditions, it validates the report’s data and evokes a strong emotional response from the public and policymakers, driving necessary legislative and societal changes. Undercover investigations are essential in: Revealing Hidden Truths: Uncovering practices hidden from public view, providing irrefutable evidence of cruelty. Supporting Advocacy: Offering visual evidence that strengthens advocacy campaigns, making it harder for issues to be ignored. Engaging the Public: Mobilizing public opinion and inspiring action through compelling footage. By supporting organisations like #WorldAnimalProtection, we can expose cruelty, advocate for better standards, and ensure animals are treated with compassion and respect. Research reports lay the foundation, but undercover investigations add colour, context, and urgency. Together, they drive change and make a tangible difference for animals. #TracksInvestigations#AnimalWelfare #UndercoverInvestigation #FactoryFarming #WorldAnimalProtection #AnimalRights #AnimalAdvocacy 

"Animal welfare" 1. **Improving Animal Welfare Standards**: - **Regulations and Certifications**: Many countries and regions are implementing stricter animal welfare regulations and introducing various animal welfare certification systems. For instance, the European Union and the UK have stringent animal welfare standards, including banning caged egg-laying hens and improving living conditions for pigs. - **Animal Welfare Organizations**: Organizations like World Animal Protection actively advocate for higher animal welfare standards and exert pressure on governments and businesses to improve farming conditions. 2. **Enhancing Livestock Conditions**: - **Space and Environment**: Many farms are improving the living environment for animals by providing larger spaces, more comfortable bedding, and better ventilation and lighting. These improvements aim to reduce animal stress and enhance their quality of life. - **Reducing Inhumane Practices**: Some countries and regions have banned or restricted practices such as electric stunning, overcrowding, and inhumane slaughter methods. 3. **Sustainable Livestock Practices**: - **Reducing Antibiotic Use**: Excessive use of antibiotics can lead to antibiotic-resistant strains, so some countries and companies are taking measures to reduce antibiotic use. - **Minimizing Environmental Impact**: Improving farming efficiency and adopting new technologies (like improved feed formulations and waste management systems) to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and environmental pollution. 4. **Public Awareness and Consumer Choices**: - **Consumer Demand**: More consumers are concerned about the source of their food and animal welfare, driving companies to adopt higher animal welfare standards. The market also features more certified products, such as “humane certified” or “free-range” labels. - **Education and Advocacy**: Animal welfare organizations and public figures use media and social platforms to raise awareness about animal welfare issues, increasing public support and recognition. 5. **International Cooperation and Standards**: - **Global Standards**: International organizations like the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) are setting global animal welfare standards to encourage consistent actions across countries. - **Corporate Responsibility**: Multinational food companies are driving improvements in animal welfare throughout their supply chains by implementing procurement standards and certification requirements to ensure high standards in animal farming. These reforms and measures aim to enhance animal welfare, reduce the environmental impact of livestock farming, and address public concerns about animal welfare.