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We are extremely pleased to report that California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has just signed into law the nation’s most comprehensive legislation to protect sick and injured farm animals. Introduced by Assemblyman Paul Krekorian (D-Burbank), AB 2098 will prohibit the transport and marketing of downed animals and will allow prosecutors to file criminal charges against any slaughterhouse that butchers downed animals for human consumption. In addition to banning the marketing of downed cows, HFA’s legislation will for the first time ever prohibit the marketing of other diseased and disabled farm animals, including pigs, sheep, and goats. This bill also for the first time prohibits factory farms and other producers from transporting disabled farm animals to stockyards, auctions, or other marketing facilities. “California cannot allow unscrupulous slaughterhouse operators to endanger the safety of America’s food supply and engage in grotesquely cruel practices. AB 2098 is an important step toward a safer food supply and basic decency to farm animals, and I am delighted that the Governor has signed it into law,” said Assemblymember Krekorian. HFA’s National Director Bradley S. Miller noted, “For the sake of a few dollars profit, rather than putting downed animals out of their misery, the meat industry routinely keeps these suffering animals alive in order to turn them into steaks and hamburgers that they can sell to the public. This law will finally put an end to such practices in California – and creates a model for the rest of the nation.” We will report further on the passage of this landmark legislation in our next update. Our deepest thanks to all of our members and friends. It is your support and active participation that has made this victory possible!
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