Livestock Welfare Law in the United States

Animals in the United States are considered personal property, and owners are responsible for the well-being of their animals. Laws and regulations enacted by the federal government and the 50 states protect animals, and public interest in animal welfare is significant. US producers on almost a million farms raise billions of animals, including cattle, hogs, poultry, and other species. A few federal laws govern the welfare of livestock, especially at slaughter, during transportation, and for organic certification. All states regulate animal welfare, and some state measures explicitly protect livestock, but allow normal husbandry practices. A few states that govern livestock production practices impose space requirements; some states prohibit sale of products from animals raised in confinement, even when those animals are raised in another state. Enforcement of animal welfare standards is often inconsistent, both at the federal level and in the states. Recent reductions in USDA and other federal government personnel are likely to diminish the efficacy of federal animal welfare laws. Nonetheless, the protection of livestock remains critical both to producers and to consumers