Farm Animal Anti-Cruelty Bill Introduced

June 13, 2008 - Reps. Jim Moran (Va.) and Christopher Shays (Conn.) introduced legislation last week to make it a federal offense to without justification, kill, mutilate, disfigure, torture or intentionally inflict pain or suffering upon an animal raised for food or to fail to provide food, water and shelter.

The co-sponsors say the Farm Animal Anti-Cruelty Act, which has been endorsed by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, is a common sense approach to protecting farm animals. The bill compliments state anti-cruelty statutes as well as providing national anti-cruelty standards in those states that do not currently provide standards. They believe the threat of federal prosecution will act as strong deterrent to the mistreatment of animals. Those who violate these standards are subject to fines ranging from $500 to $100,000 or up to a year in prison.

This animal rights oriented legislation presents numerous concerns regarding the federal regulation of farm animals.

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