The Pigs and Public Health Act directs the Department of Agriculture to remove nonambulatory pigs (those unable to stand or walk unassisted) from the food supply and establishes new animal welfare protections. The bill prohibits the use of certain growth-promoting drugs in pigs, sets transportation standards including temperature control and adequate space, and requires that nonambulatory pigs be humanely euthanized rather than processed for meat. It also bans abusive handling practices and requires covered entities such as slaughterhouses, packers, and stockyards to maintain records and policies for proper treatment of these animals. The legislation creates an online confidentiality portal for workers to report violations and provides whistleblower protections for farm and slaughterhouse employees who report illegal practices. Additionally, the bill directs the Labor Department to establish occupational safety standards for handling nonambulatory pigs and requires the Agriculture Department to study and report on public health risks associated with nonambulatory pigs, particularly concerning foodborne pathogens like salmonella and swine flu. Most provisions take effect one year after enactment, with regulations to be finalized within that timeframe.
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