I would like to urge everyone to contact their representative in the House and their State Senators and ask them to vote "no" on the Farm Bill containing the King Amendment.
This amendment would strip states ability to enact their own animal welfare laws and to pass legislation outlawing "ag-gag" laws, which would hamstring the ability of undercover investigators to "blow the whistle" on factory farming and other operations who treat animals inhumanely.
This amendment is sponsored by Iowa Republican Steve King, and would, among other unsavory things, pave the way for horse slaughter to resume in the U.S. The last horse slaughter plant was closed in 2007, much to the relief of those of us who love these magnificent animals.
Please don't confuse Steve King with Representative Peter King of New York, who is also a Republican.
I just read the latest news on the Farm Bill/King Amendment and there is "hope" that it come together, after some tweaking, at the end of this month (October).
My congressional representative, Raul Ruiz, M.D. has already once voted against the Farm Bill. I had Emailed his office through the Humane Society of the United States and I received a reply from Congressman Ruiz, saying that the bill had passed. Of course, it has the support of many in the farming regions of the country, which include large numbers of factory farming operations.
We, as compassionate individuals, need to contact everyone in government that we can and ask that any Farm Bill that includes the King Amendment be defeated. Rep. Steve King has consistently been a foe to animals and their welfare. All animals, everywhere, have the right to humane treatment.
It is very easy to find and contact your House representative by using a search engine (if you don't know who represents your district). Please also contact your U.S. Senators urging a "no" vote if this bill makes it to the Senate floor.
I am fortunate to be a California native whose U.S. Senators, Diane Feinstein and Barbara Boxer are very environmentally and animal-welfare friendly.
