Tell the USDA to stop inhumane slaughter

Each year, more than nine billion animals are slaughtered without the protection of the Humane Methods of Slaughter Act, simply because the U.S. Department of Agriculture doesn't recognize them as "livestock."  Chickens, turkeys, and other birds raised for food are subjected to cruel and inhumane treatment even though the Act requires that livestock be slaughtered in accordance with humane methods. Today, The Humane Society of the United States, along with East Bay Animal Advocates and five poultry consumers, filed suit challenging the USDA's exemption of birds from the Humane Methods of Slaughter Act.  Click here to tell Secretary of Agriculture Mike Johanns to fulfill his responsibility to ensure that all animals, including birds, are given legal protection during slaughter. Until the USDA changes this arbitrary policy, processors will continue to use such inhumane methods as shackling fully conscious birds by their legs, hanging them upside-down, cutting live birds with mechanical blades, and even drowning conscious birds in tanks of scalding water.  According to several recent scientific studies, these inhumane slaughter methods increase the risk that carcasses will become contaminated with dangerous bacteria that can sicken consumers.  The USDA's policy not only allows needless suffering for birds, it also increases the risk for potentially life-threatening food-borne illness.  You can help us protect birds from these horrendous practices and protect consumers from illness by taking action today. Once you've sent your message, please consider taking one more action today to help spread the word:  Download, print, and post our FREE Petition for Poultry poster. It comes complete with convenient tear-offs to direct people to our website to sign the petition. Tack the poster in your grocery store, gym or anywhere else it might get noticed. Click here to download your poster now. Thank you, Norma, for all you do on behalf of animals and for your invaluable support of the Petition for Poultry campaign. Sincerely, Wayne Pacelle President & CEO The Humane Society of the United States P.S. Please see our web site for more information and to watch our video about the USDA's policy on poultry slaughter.