The so-called “Save Our Bacon” Act is NOT currently included in the base text of the Farm Bill.
But this battle is not over.
The language could still be added back in as an amendment, which means now is the time to call your Senators.
Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley said, “It’s got to be in the farm bill or it won’t get done. It’s pretty simple.”
Let's make sure it doesn’t get done!
Call the Capitol Switchboard: (202) 224-3121
Tell them:
Keep the so-called “Save Our Bacon” Act out of the Farm Bill.
This bill would undermine state laws that set basic standards for products sold within their borders, including laws that restrict the sale of pork from systems that confine pregnant pigs in gestation crates.
These laws don’t just protect animals; they also protect public health. and the right of states and voters to set meaningful standards.
Extreme confinement can elevate stress, suppress immune function, and increase pathogen growth, shedding, and transmission. Infected animals may remain asymptomatic through slaughter, allowing contaminated products to reach consumers.
Pork is already a major source of foodborne illness in the United States, with pathogens including Salmonella, Campylobacter, Yersinia, Listeria, Staphylococcus aureus, hepatitis E virus, and Toxoplasma gondii. Many of these pathogens can evade routine inspection, and several are increasingly resistant to medically important antibiotics.
The pork industry often argues that banning gestation crates “removes tools” from veterinarians and producers.
But a harmful practice does not become acceptable just because it gives an industry more flexibility.
That is exactly why animal welfare and public-health laws exist: to create a floor below which industries cannot fall.
States must be allowed to protect animals, consumers, and public health from the risks of extreme confinement and industry overreach.
Please call your Senators today:
(202) 224-3121
Tell them:
Keep the so-called “Save Our Bacon” Act out of the Farm Bill. Let the will of the voters stand. Let states set their own standards.
You can also visit our website for a template letter to send to your Senators and downloadable flyers you can print for your veterinary office, clinic, school, or outreach table.
#prop12 #saveourbacon #farmbill #vetmed #onehealth