Stop the Long Distance Transport of Animals for Slaughter

Today, February 12, 2008, marks the release of a two-year investigation by Handle with Care, a global coalition of national and international animal welfare organizations — including Born Free USA united with Animal Protection Institute — seeking to end the long-distance transport of animals for slaughter.

Revealed in the investigative footage, gathered across several countries and continents, is evidence of the brutality of transporting live animals long distances — only for them to be slaughtered at the journey’s end.

"Anyone who watches the footage of pigs desperately trying to escape when they are finally let out of containers in Hawaii after more than a week of brutal confinement cannot help but be moved by their suffering. It is unconscionable to permit the unnecessary long distance transport of animals to continue," said Monica Engebretson, Born Free USA united with API’s Senior Program Associate.

We need you to help us put a stop this cruel and unnecessary trade as soon as possible. So please check out the ways you can help and take action today.

Letter Text:

Our online petition limits the amount of signatures from one computer or network address (household or workplace). Thank you for your continued interest in helping the animals!

I was disturbed to learn that Hawaii Food Products imports thousands of pigs every year that must travel from as far away as Canada under miserable conditions. Please stop importing live pigs to Hawaii immediately. It is unnecessary and dramatically influences the welfare of upwards of 15,000 animals each year.

These pigs are forced to endure a 7 to 9 day journey confined to crowded, unsanitary shipping containers, without once being allowed to rest on the ground. They are then kept in crowded, stressful conditions at the Oahu slaughterhouse for up to 2 weeks before being slaughtered.

During transport by ship, the pigs suffer from fatigue and motion sickness, as well as overcrowding — which can result in fighting and even animals being crushed to death.

No U.S. laws currently address the treatment and care of live animals shipped from mainland U.S. to Hawaii by sea. Additionally, transporting and holding animals for extended periods increases the probability that they will be exposed to disease that could lead to contamination.

I thank you for considering my request to stop importing live pigs, and for doing your part to end unnecessary animal suffering. I await your response in this matter.

Signed by:
[Your name]
[Your address]

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