I 111th CONGRESS 2d Session H. R. 4733 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES March 2, 2010 Ms. Watson (for herself and Mr. Gallegly) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, and in addition to the Committee on Agriculture, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned A BILL To promote the well-being of farm animals by requiring Federal agencies to procure food products derived from certain animals only from sources that raised the animals free from cruelty and abuse, and for other purposes.

1.

Short title

This Act may be cited as the Prevention of Farm Animal Cruelty Act.

2.

Findings and declaration of policy

(a)

Findings

Congress finds the following: (1)More humane treatment of livestock minimizes needless suffering, results in safer and better working conditions for persons engaged in the animal agricultural industry, brings about improvement of products, and generates other benefits for producers, processors, consumers, public health, and the environment, which expedite an orderly flow of livestock products in interstate and foreign commerce. (2)The Federal Government can lead by example in the marketplace and encourage more humane practices by purchasing products derived from livestock raised in compliance with this Act. (b)

Declaration of policy

It is the policy of the United States that the raising of livestock for food production shall be consistent with the basic principles of animal welfare.

3.

Minimum requirements for Federal procurement of food products derived from certain animals

(a)

Humane practices required

A Federal agency may not purchase any food product derived from a covered animal unless the covered animal, during the entire period while covered by the definition in subsection (d)(1), was raised in compliance with subsection (b). (b)

Compliance

A covered animal is raised in compliance with the requirements of subsection (a) only if the animal was provided adequate space to— (1)stand up, lie down, and turn around freely; and (2)fully extend all limbs. (c)

Exemptions

Subsections (a) and (b) shall not apply to a covered animal— (1)during lawful transport; (2)during the slaughter of the covered animal in compliance with Public Law 85–765 (7 U.S.C. 1901 et seq.; commonly known as the Humane Methods of Slaughter Act of 1958) and other applicable law and regulations; (3)in lawful rodeo exhibitions, State or county fair exhibitions, or other similar exhibitions; (4)in lawful scientific or agricultural research; (5)while undergoing an examination, test, treatment, or operation for individualized veterinary purposes to improve the well-being of the covered animal; or (6)in the case of a pig during pregnancy, during the seven-day period immediately before the date on which the pig is reasonably expected to give birth. (d)

Definitions

In this section: (1)The term covered animal means any pig during pregnancy, calf raised for veal, or egg-laying hen used or intended for use in food production. (2)The term fully extend all limbs, with respect to a covered animal, means the ability of the covered animal to fully extend all limbs without touching the side of an enclosure, including, in the case of egg-laying hens, fully spreading both wings without touching the side of an enclosure or other egg-laying hens. (3)The term turn around freely, with respect to a covered animal, means the ability of the covered animal to turn in a complete circle without any impediment, including a tether, and without touching the side of an enclosure. (e)

Effect on other laws

Nothing in this section shall modify, limit, or repeal any law in effect upon the date of the enactment of this Act or preempt any State or local law.

4.

Effective date

This Act shall take effect on the date that is two years after the date of the enactment of this Act.