Steven McCulloch

Are any other veterinarians frustrated that the National Pork Producers Council is using our profession to legitimize keeping pregnant pigs in gestation crates? Gestation crates are roughly 2-by-7-foot stalls used to confine pregnant pigs for much of their 114-day pregnancy. They cannot even turn around. California’s Proposition 12 simply set a minimum floor: pigs should be able to turn around and have at least 24 square feet of space. Now, pork industry groups are trying to overturn that through Farm Bill language, using hashtags like #FixProp12 and claiming they are standing with “real farmers and veterinarians.” But AVMA members were never polled before the AVMA sent a letter supporting language that would overturn Prop 12. The AVMA does not speak for me on this. Veterinarians should not be used to justify extreme confinement. Setting a minimum space requirement does not stop veterinarians from providing care. It does not prevent temporary individual housing when medically necessary or when animals are fighting. It simply says pregnancy should not mean being locked in a crate so small an animal cannot turn around. This is far from over. The Senate base text does not currently include the Prop 12 repeal language, but it could still be added back as an amendment. Please call your senators today and tell them: “I am a veterinarian, and I do not want the Farm Bill used to overturn California’s Proposition 12. Do not allow Save Our Bacon Act language back into the Farm Bill.” Capitol Switchboard: 202-224-3121 Share this with veterinarians, veterinary students, and anyone who believes our profession should stand for animals, not corporate confinement. #prop12 #pork #vetmed #avma2026 #vetstudent

The so-called “Save Our Bacon” Act is NOT currently included in the base text of the Farm Bill. But this battle is not over. The language could still be added back in as an amendment, which means now is the time to call your Senators. Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley said, “It’s got to be in the farm bill or it won’t get done. It’s pretty simple.” Let's make sure it doesn’t get done! Call the Capitol Switchboard: (202) 224-3121 Tell them: Keep the so-called “Save Our Bacon” Act out of the Farm Bill. This bill would undermine state laws that set basic standards for products sold within their borders, including laws that restrict the sale of pork from systems that confine pregnant pigs in gestation crates. These laws don’t just protect animals; they also protect public health. and the right of states and voters to set meaningful standards. Extreme confinement can elevate stress, suppress immune function, and increase pathogen growth, shedding, and transmission. Infected animals may remain asymptomatic through slaughter, allowing contaminated products to reach consumers. Pork is already a major source of foodborne illness in the United States, with pathogens including Salmonella, Campylobacter, Yersinia, Listeria, Staphylococcus aureus, hepatitis E virus, and Toxoplasma gondii. Many of these pathogens can evade routine inspection, and several are increasingly resistant to medically important antibiotics. The pork industry often argues that banning gestation crates “removes tools” from veterinarians and producers. But a harmful practice does not become acceptable just because it gives an industry more flexibility. That is exactly why animal welfare and public-health laws exist: to create a floor below which industries cannot fall. States must be allowed to protect animals, consumers, and public health from the risks of extreme confinement and industry overreach. Please call your Senators today: (202) 224-3121 Tell them: Keep the so-called “Save Our Bacon” Act out of the Farm Bill. Let the will of the voters stand. Let states set their own standards. You can also visit our website for a template letter to send to your Senators and downloadable flyers you can print for your veterinary office, clinic, school, or outreach table. #prop12 #saveourbacon #farmbill #vetmed #onehealth

Despite revising their sow housing guidelines, the American Veterinary Medical Association is trying to keep pigs in gestation crates and has recently supported language in the Farm Bill that would overturn state animal welfare laws. I hope that more veterinarians voice their concerns and let Senators know that the AVMA does not represent us! 🔗👇 #prop12 #saveourbacon #farmbill #animalwelfare #vetmed

The pork industry keeps invoking the American Veterinary Medical Association to justify keeping pregnant pigs confined so tightly they cannot turn around. But 82% of veterinarians polled found gestation crates “objectionable.” #FixProp12 #Prop12 #SaveOurBacon #FarmBill