How is the treatment of farm animals raised for food or fiber regulated in the United States?
In the US, there are Federal laws that address the transport and humane slaughter of animals: The Twenty-Eight Hour Law requires that animals being transported across state lines (by truck, rail carrier, express carrier, or common carrier (except by air or water)) may not be confined for more than 28 consecutive hours without being unloaded for food, water, and rest. It does not apply to poultry or to animals being transported in a vehicle where they have food, water, space, and the ability to rest. The Humane Methods of Slaughter Act requires the proper treatment and humane handling of all food animals slaughtered in USDA inspected slaughter plants. It does not apply to chickens or other birds. For on-farm treatment of animals in the US, most livestock production industries have developed and implemented science-based animal care guidelines in response to consumer concerns that animals being raised for food production are treated humanely. Assurances that animals are being raised acco
