Humane Laws:
Over ten billion farmed animals are raised for food production every year, yet most states specifically exclude farmed animals from state anti-cruelty laws, either explicitly or through the interpretation of what is considered a “normal or acceptable” animal agricultural practice. The result? Chickens, cows, pigs and other living feeling animals are subject to horrendous cruelties and neglect, and abusive practices are considered “business as usual.”
California is one of the largest animal agricultural states in the country, ranking #1 in dairy production, and it is in the top ten production states for egg and turkey production. Every year, hundreds of millions of animals suffer from cruel production, transportation, and slaughter practices.
Cows in a "dairy lot".
On dairy production farms, hundreds of cows are placed into large “dairy lots”, where the animals live in large dirt lots without adequate shelter. During severe rain storms, cows are left for days standing in mud and manure so thick, the animals cannot reach food, lie down, or even walk – yet no dairy in California has ever been charged with cruelty to animals. On poultry farms, animals are severely overcrowded, and when communicable diseases such as Avian influenza hit, chickens have been disposed of by throwing them alive into wood chippers – yet no egg farm has been charged with cruelty to animals.
In intensive confinement operations used to produce pork, eggs, and veal, animals are crowed into cages or crates so small, the animals cannot walk, turn around, or stretch their limbs. Every year, millions of farmed animals in California endure severe confinement for their entire lives, yet these practices are considered so cruel, they have been banned in other countries, and the states of Florida and Arizona.
California has over 49 livestock auctions and stockyards, and everyday, hundreds of animals suffer cruelty and neglect during the marketing process. Sick and injured animals too weak to even stand (called “downers” ) are left suffering for hours or dragged to slaughter with chains. Downed animals are left for hours in auction pens or stockyard parking lots without shelter, water, or food. Sick animals do not receive veterinary care, and debilitated animals suffering from broken legs and other injuries are forced to stumble through auction rings. Animals who are considered “worthless” and no longer marketable are abandoned, and left to die slowly from starvation and neglect.
Downed cow at Chino Livestock Market.
Fortunately, the State of California passed a law in 1995 that affords some protection for “downed” animals (animals too sick or injured to even stand) and the state’s anti-cruelty laws do NOT specifically exclude farm animals. The current state laws provide a unique opportunity to gain needed legal protection for farmed animals.
The State Humane Association of California publishes the California Animal Laws Handbook which contains a listing of California statutory laws and regulations enacted and amended in the current legislative session relating to animals. Click here for further information and to order your copy.
California’s Downed Animal Law (599f):
Section 599f is added to the Penal Code to read:
599f. (a) No slaughterhouse that is not inspected by the United States Department of Agriculture, stockyard, or auction shall buy, sell, or receive a nonambulatory animal.
(b) No slaughterhouse, stockyard, auction, market agency, or dealer shall hold a nonambulatory animal without taking immediate action to humanely euthanize the animal or remove the animal from the premises.
(c) While in transit or on the premises of a stockyard, auction, market agency, dealer, or slaughterhouse, a nonambulatory animal may not be dragged at any time, or pushed with equipment at any time, but shall be moved with a sling or on a stoneboat or other sled-like or wheeled conveyance.
(d) A violation of this section is a misdemeanor.
(e) As used in this section, "nonambulatory" means unable to stand and walk without assistance.
(f) As used in this section, "animal" means live cattle, swine, sheep, or goats.
(g) As used in this section, "humanely euthanized" means to kill by a mechanical, chemical, or electrical method that rapidly and effectively renders the animal insensitive to pain.
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