Bill > HR2626

This bill amends the Animal Welfare Act to prohibit the inhumane confinement of breeding pigs by establishing new standards for their housing. Specifically, the bill makes it unlawful to confine breeding pigs in a manner that prevents them from lying down, standing up, or turning around completely, and requires at least 24 square feet of usable floor space per pig starting December 31, 2025. The legislation provides several exceptions for transportation, veterinary procedures, the period just before farrowing (giving birth), and slaughter. To help farmers adapt to these new requirements, the bill establishes a financial assistance program that will provide up to $10 million in funding, prioritizing independent pig producers. The bill defines a "breeding pig" as a female pig kept for commercial breeding who is six months or older or currently pregnant. Penalties will be enforced similar to those in the Animal Health Protection Act, and the law does not preempt additional state or local animal welfare regulations. The bill's findings highlight that many food retailers and states have already been moving away from intensive pig confinement due to animal welfare and consumer concerns, suggesting this legislation aligns with broader industry and public sentiments about humane animal treatment.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/2626/all-info