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The recently introduced Food Security and Farm Protection Act (S. 1326) is similar to its dangerous predecessor, the EATS Act, which aimed to overturn existing bans on extremely cruel methods of farm animal confinement. This includes the use of gestation crates for pigs, veal crates for calves, and battery cages for hens. Not only do these confinement systems propagate disease spread, but they also severely limit the mobility of the animals, often resulting in intense physical and psychological pain and discomfort.
Many farmers are already raising animals in more humane and sustainable ways, but the Food Security and Farm Protection Act would put those farmers at an even greater disadvantage against industrial producers. We ought to support our country’s independent farmers and consumers, who have nothing to gain from endorsing legislation like the EATS Act.
I hope my lawmakers, Rep. Chellie Pingree and Sens. Angus King and Susan Collins, will protect the interests of our state and its residents by opposing the Food Security and Farm Protection Act and any similar legislation.
Kim Schwickrath
Old Orchard Beach