The Pigs and Public Health Act (H.R. 4757) aims to prohibit the slaughter and abuse of downed pigs, eliminating some of the worst abuses against pigs in industrial animal agriculture.
The current lack of federal oversight for downed pigs is not only senselessly cruel, but also creates a breeding ground for zoonotic pathogens, risking disease spread in our food system and beyond.
The Pigs and Public Health Act will make meaningful, commonsense changes to protect pigs and safeguard public health, including:
- Prohibiting the slaughter and willful abuse of downed pigs
- Protecting downed pigs during transport
- Restricting harmful beta agonist drugs, including ractopamine which is banned or restricted in meat production in at least 168 countries
- Protecting public health from the risk of foodborne illness and zoonotic diseases, such as swine and avian flu, by implementing transparency measures regarding downed pigs
Please take action today to urge your federal representative to cosponsor this important bill. Personalize your subject line and message to increase your effectiveness!
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Pigs and Public Health Act Reintroduced in the U.S. House to Prohibit Slaughter of Downed Pigs
Bill will reduce the risk of zoonotic disease transmission and foodborne illness by establishing new standards for non-ambulatory, or “downed” pigsJuly 25, 2025 Press Release -
Petition Urges FDA to Reconsider Decision Not to Ban Controversial Drug Ractopamine
Common livestock feed additive poses risks to human healthApril 29, 2025 Press Release -
Lawsuit Filed Against Pig Breeder Holden Farms Related to Feeding Dead Piglets’ Intestines and Feces to Mother Pigs and Other Offenses
Animal Legal Defense Fund filed a false claims lawsuit against Holden Farms. Allegations include violating federal and state laws banning “garbage feeding” and state animal cruelty law.August 10, 2023 Press Release
