Expert: Tina Volpe - 9/29/2009

Question
Hello. I am doing a research project on factory farming and am interested in learning more about it. What do these farms do for animals that are sick or injured? How do you feel about the way that the chickens are killed by being hung upside down and having their throats slit? What happens to the hens that are past their egg laying point in life? Are there really animals that are put in boiling water while still conscious? The videos that have surfaced of the factory farms, is this a rare occurence or even reality in a factory farm? What are some inhumane events that you have heard of that has happened to the animals? Are there standards from the federal or state governments about the way that animals have to be treated? What would make factory farms more humane? Do you think that people are getting diseases as madcow disease becasue of the unethical factory farms and the way that they use diseased animals for human consumption? I know that is alot of questions. Thanks so much for being an animal lover and volunteering your time. I think that factory farms are unethical and these animals should be viewed as more than production units. I have found this research project to be really educational so far. Again, thanks for your time.

Answer
Hello Susan,

The questions you ask are somewhat general - States differ in their procedures and prosecution methods, however, I do know that the humane slaughter act is widely ignored: (From Wiki):  

>>>>The Humane Slaughter Act, or the Humane Methods of Livestock Slaughter Act, (P.L. 85-765; 7 U.S.C. 1901 et seq.) is a United States federal law designed to protect food animals during the moment of their slaughter. It was passed in 1958. Food Safety and Inspection Service inspectors at slaughtering plants are responsible for overseeing compliance, and have the authority to stop slaughter lines and order plant employees to take corrective actions. Although more than 90% of animals killed for food in the United States are chickens, the Humane Slaughter Act specifically excludes birds.[1]<<<<

>>>>Following news reports in early 2002 alleging significant non-compliance, FSIS assigned additional veterinarians to its district offices specifically to monitor humane slaughter and handling procedures and to report to headquarters on compliance.<<<<<

The humane slaughter act is not being adhered to in 95% of slaughterhouses and animals suffer tremendously.

They do nothing for sick or injured animals, but they do throw them on what is commonly known as "dead piles" for them to suffer and die on top of other dying and/or dead animals. They do not spend money to put an animal who will not be used for food to death humanely.  It is the most horrific and barbaric practice known to man, and I am infuriated that more people are not changing their lives and diets to try to help these precious animals.

Also, if you want further information on how factory farming works and what goes on, please see the following:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VIjanhKqVC4
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=6361872964130308142#

There are several others, but these really give you an insight to what goes on.... horrible!

Thanks so much for choosing to stand up and educate others.  These animals are feeling, sentient beings who deserve a better life!

Tina