Target: Barack Obama, former president of the United States
Goal: Thank President Obama for taking action to improve the lives of organic farm animals.
Just days before leaving office, President Obama passed a new rule stating that organic farmers can no longer cut the tails off of livestock (a cruel practice known as tail docking), or clip the beaks of chickens. The rule also guarantees more outdoor space for poultry, and stipulates that livestock must have room to move about freely. Although certainly not the end of the battle for ethical treatment of farm animals, this policy does represent a victory for animal advocates and followers of the organic movement.
This decision is coming after years of debate and pressure, on both sides, from the public. Those arguing in favor of better conditions and protections for livestock have included groups like the Humane Society, PETA, the Cornucopia Institute, and ForceChange – over the years we have hosted many petitions on these topics, like the ones found here, here, and here.
The rule has already been met with criticism. Some animal welfare groups are dismissing it as too little too late, while the National Pork Producers Council has called it an “unnecessary, unscientific midnight regulation,” and believe it sets a “bad precedent.” This writer certainly believes it is never too late to start improving the lives of animals in our country. Stepping-stone victories like this one are necessary to fortify us in the continued fight against animal cruelty. Sign this petition to thank President Obama for looking out for livestock.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Mr. President,
Although it may have flown somewhat under the radar in the wake of the inauguration and other recent policy measures, I want you to know how happy I was to see that, in your last days in office, you passed a new rule ensuring better conditions for organic livestock. It isn’t as strong as some animal welfare advocates were hoping for, but it is a victory nonetheless, and I applaud your efforts.
With this new measure, organic livestock will no longer be subjected to the cruel practice of tail docking, nor will chickens have to suffer from having their beaks clipped. Additionally, your rule guarantees more space for organic farm animals to roam – a point that has long been hotly contested.
Thank you for your work on behalf of the organic movement. I hope this new rule can be a starting point as we continue pushing for the ethical treatment of all animals in our country.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo credit: Micolo J
Ye must not only have kind and merciful feelings for mankind, but ye should also exercise the utmost kindness towards every living creature.
The physical sensibilities and instincts are common to animal and man.
Man is, however, negligent of this reality and imagines that sensibility is peculiar to mankind, therefore he practices cruelty to the animal…..
In reality what difference is there in physical sensations! Sensibility is the same whether you harm man or animal: there is no difference. Nay, rather, cruelty to the animal is more painful because man has a tongue and he sighs, complains and groans when he receives an injury and complains to the government and the government protects him from cruelty; but the poor animal cannot speak, it can neither show its suffering nor is it able to appeal to the government.
If it is harmed a thousand times by man it is not able to defend itself in words nor can it seek justice or retaliate…..
Therefore one must be very considerate towards animals and show greater kindness to them than to man…. Man is generally sinful and the animal is innocent; unquestionably one must be more kind and merciful to the innocent. Baha’i Faith Writings
I’m wondering if this will now not happen. With a stroke of the pen, one of Trump’s first acts put a sudden stop to numerous bills/laws, such as the long-fought-for bill on stopping the soring of Tennessee Walking horses. It JUST passed and Trump’s signature put a stop on that new law that was to become effective a few days ago. So that cruelty will continue, thanks to Trump. I suspect that may be the case with these recent Obama rules. Hope I’m wrong but not holding my breath.
Signed & shared