Dear John,

Mercy For Animals has been leading the fight to expose industrial animal agriculture's exploitation of farmed pigs. Now a Texas congresswoman has just introduced legislation to protect the most vulnerable among pigs.

"Downed" pigs are factory-farmed pigs who are too sick, injured, or tired to walk or stand. These pigs lie in bacteria-rich waste and end up in our nation's food supply. This poses a serious public health threat that the USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service refuses to address.

Pigs become downed due to cruel factory-farm conditions. They are often forced into cramped trucks to travel thousands of miles. Once onboard, they are denied access to food, water, or protection from extreme weather.

We have called on the courts to do the right thing and intervene. But so far no action has been taken to address such needless and preventable cruelty.

We are proud to announce that Rep. Veronica Escobar (D-TX-16) has introduced the Pigs and Public Health Act (PPHA, H.R. 8994). This groundbreaking legislation would address the living conditions of farmed pigs. The bill aims to increase transparency, promote worker safety, and safeguard public health.

The PPHA sets new standards for the needs of pigs in farms, during transport, and at slaughter. It would establish a confidential online portal for agricultural workers to blow the whistle on animal welfare and worker safety violations.

Passing the PPHA would be a meaningful, real-world achievement in reducing suffering for farmed pigs. Can we count on you to contact your representative today and urge them to support the PPHA?

P.S. Being an Animal Ally is one of the most impactful ways to support animals in factory farms. Your monthly contribution provides steady, reliable support for critical initiatives like undercover investigations and policy reform. Will you become an Animal Ally and help sustain this vital work?