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Academic Article Assesses Animal Welfare Regulations in Livestock Transportation in Five Western Jurisdictions

Eugénie Duval et al, “Are regulations addressing farm animal welfare issues during live transportation fit for purpose? A multi-country jurisdictional check” (2024) 11:1 Royal Society 1.

Abstract: Growing animal welfare concerns have pushed some jurisdictions to strengthen regulations addressing live farm animal transportation, but whether they provide satisfactory levels of protection for animals remains to be shown. Using the recent peer-reviewed literature, we identified four major risk factors associated with live animal transportation (fitness for transport, journey duration, climatic conditions and space allowances) and explored how regulations were structured to prevent animal welfare issues in five English-speaking Western jurisdictions (Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the EU and the USA). All legally binding federal regulations were systematically reviewed and compared. Whether these rules were fit for purpose was assessed using the relevant peer-reviewed scientific literature. Our findings indicate the majority of regulations in most jurisdictions are often insufficient or too vague to be deemed fit for purpose. All five jurisdictions fall short in guaranteeing adequate protection to livestock during transport. Using recent changes as well as future policy proposals under discussion, we identify future directions that could form the basis for regulatory changes that may significantly improve the welfare of farm animals during transportation.

Advocacy Groups Urge Colorado DA to Pursue Criminal Charges Against Lamb Processor

The Animal Activist Legal Defense Project sent correspondence on behalf of Animal Partisan and Animal Equality to the District Attorney (DA) for Colorado’s 13th Judicial District. The letter requested that the DA pursue animal cruelty charges against Colorado Lamb Processors, LLC for the repeated improper stunning, and resultant suffering, of a lamb at its processing facility. The groups argue that Colorado Lamb Processors should be held criminally liable for animal cruelty under the state’s corporate liability statute because “a high managerial agent . . . knowingly tolerated the unlawful conduct.”

Iowa Bill Would Place Moratorium on New and Expanded CAFO Structures

Iowa House File 2124 would impose a moratorium on the new construction or expansion of structures in confinement feeding operations, which are defined as “animal feeding operation[s] in which animals are confined to areas which are totally or partially roofed.” The inclusion of “partially roofed” operations would be an expansion of the current definition of “confinement feeding operation.” The bill was referred to the House Agriculture Committee.

EPA Proposes Regulation to Reduce Factory Farm Discharges into U.S. Surface Waters

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed a Clean Water Act regulation that would “revise the technology-based effluent limitations guidelines and standards” for meat and poultry product category point sources. EPA’s preferred proposed regulatory option could reduce pollutant discharges into the nation’s surface waters by animal agriculture facilities by around 100 million pounds per year. EPA is accepting public comments on the proposed regulations through March 25, 2024.

Hawaii Bill Would Require Meat Processing Industry Standards and Create Tax Credit

Hawaii Senate Bill 2813 would require the Hawaii Department of Agriculture to establish industry standards for meat processing. It also would require the department to survey slaughterhouse operations to evaluate capacities of active slaughterhouses, best practices for waste disposal, and industry growth opportunities. Further, the bill would establish a tax credit for qualified expenses related to meat processing. The bill has not yet been referred to a committee.

Arizona Bill Would Mandate mRNA Vaccine Disclosures on Animal Products

Arizona Senate Bill 1146 would require mRNA vaccine use disclosure on labels of aquaculture, livestock, and poultry products from mRNA-vaccinated animals and prohibit labeling or advertising such products as “organic.” It also would amend an existing statutory provision to clarify that the provision “does not authorize [state officials] to require or administer a[n mRNA] vaccine that has not received full approval from” the federal government. The bill was assigned to the Senate Rules Committee and the Senate Natural Resources, Energy and Water Committee.

Fifteen U.S. Senators Write to SEC to Express Concern over JBS’s Planned NYSE IPO

Fifteen U.S. Senators sent a letter to U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Chair Gary Gensler expressing serious concerns about JBS S.A.’s upcoming initial public offering on the New York Stock Exchange. Citing its “track record of corruption, human rights abuses, monopolization of the meatpacking market, as well as environmental risks,” the senators argue that “[a]pproval of JBS’ proposed listing would subject U.S. investors to risk from a company with a history of blatant, systemic corruption, and further entrench its monopoly power and embolden its monopoly practices.”

Oklahoma Bill Would Restrict Use of Drones to Capture Images of Private Property

Oklahoma House Bill 3146, the “Freedom from Unwanted Surveillance Act,” would limit the circumstances under which drones may be lawfully used. The bill would prohibit the capturing of images “of privately owned real property or of the owner, tenant, occupant, invitee, or licensee of such property with the intent to conduct surveillance,” unless an exclusion applies. It further would create a private right of action for aggrieved parties and would render any improperly obtained footage inadmissible in criminal court. The bill has not yet been referred to a committee.