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Have you ever shared the road with massive trucks packed with farmed animals? As young as six weeks old, chickens, pigs, cows, and other animals are crammed into trucks and sent to slaughter. These animals are afforded shockingly few legal protections during their grueling journeys. That’s why we’re calling on the U.S. government to do better for animals—and we need your help.
The Truth Behind Animal Transport
In transport, many animals are forced to spend long hours in crowded trailers or stacked crates. No laws require that they be given food or water during this time, unless they are on board for over 28 hours. These animals are usually on their way to slaughter, meaning their final hours or days are some of their most harrowing. The conditions are so horrific that some animals even die before reaching their destination.
Transport trucks are not made to protect animals from harsh weather. In winter, farmed animals endure below-freezing conditions and are exposed to snow, rain, and frigid winds. Some die from hypothermia. Others even freeze to the floors or sides of truck beds.
In summer, temperatures inside trucks rise to well over 100°F. Many animals suffer heat stress, asphyxiation, and heart attacks. Just imagine the terror of being crammed into a baking hot truck without water for hours on end!
Take Action to Improve Animal Transport
This is unacceptable suffering, and U.S. laws are nowhere near sufficient to protect these animals. The U.S. Department of Agriculture and Department of Transportation have the authority to draft regulations for and enforce laws related to animal transport.
Please join Mercy For Animals in calling on the USDA and Department of Transportation to modernize U.S. animal transport laws by providing species-appropriate space, rest time, food, water, and protection from extreme temperatures.
You can also stand up for animals by choosing plant-based food. Visit ChooseVeg for resources, news, and more that will help you start your plant-based journey.
Cover Photo: Jo-Anne McArthur / We Animals Media