Last week I stood before federal judges to fight for millions of pigs suffering in America's slaughterhouses. As Animal Outlook's Senior Director of Legal Advocacy, I had the honor of presenting our case—brought jointly with Farm Sanctuary and Animal Equality—against the USDA in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. I wanted you to be the first to hear how it went.
With Deputy Director of Legal Advocacy, Jareb Gleckel, by my side, we challenged the USDA's dangerous "New Swine Inspection System" regulations that have effectively abandoned federal oversight of pig slaughter. In our briefs and during the hearing, we told the judges: the USDA violated federal law by reducing government inspectors' verification of humane handling and allowing slaughterhouse employees—rather than trained government officials—to make critical decisions about animal fitness.
I couldn't help but think of what our investigator documented in 2015 at a high-speed slaughterhouse in Minnesota: workers dragging sick pigs, improper stunning that risked animals entering scalding tanks while conscious, and carcasses covered in feces being processed for human consumption. We cannot let the regulatory system that allowed that to continue spreading to more slaughterhouses across the country.
Left: Jareb Gleckel and me outside court, with Animal Outlook Legal Fellow, Sophie Carroll
Right: A worker picks up a pig who is unable to walk during our 2015 investigation
This case has been a long journey. Since we filed our lawsuit in 2019 alongside our co-plaintiffs, the USDA has already been forced to walk back its elimination of line speed caps—a significant victory. Last week's hearing was another crucial step in our collective fight to restore meaningful federal oversight of slaughterhouses.
I left the courtroom last week feeling both the weight of responsibility and the power of hope. This case represents millions of animals who have no voice in our legal system—but because of supporters like you, their suffering isn't invisible.
Your continued support makes this possible. Our legal advocacy is powered entirely by people who refuse to accept that animals should suffer in darkness. Every dollar you contribute directly funds the ability to challenge powerful government agencies and industry giants who put profit above compassion.
When we expose truth, we inspire change. Thank you for standing with us and our partners Farm Sanctuary and Animal Equality as we create a future where animals aren't just units of production, but beings deserving of justice and dignity.
For the animals,
Piper Hoffman
Senior Director of Legal Advocacy
As a non-profit organization, Animal Outlook relies on donations from caring, generous people like you. Every dollar matters. Your support makes a world of difference to farmed animals.
