In an ongoing effort to unravel hard-won protections for farm animals, last month the new administration announced plans to delay implementation of the final Organic Livestock and Poultry Practices rule for the second time. This action blatantly prioritizes Big Ag over animals, farmers and consumers.

The rule, which was finalized in January after years of work by the ASPCA, our coalition partners and our supporters, would put in place first-of-their-kind federal protections for farm animals raised under the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Organic program, improving the lives of these animals and more closely providing consumers with what they expect from products labeled “USDA Organic.”

Luckily for farm animals, over 47,000 advocates like you spoke up during the brief comment window to tell USDA that this rule must be implemented immediately!

Here’s what America had to say:

We as consumers deserve to be heard! We pay the price for true Organic yet are being falsely led to believe we are purchasing humanely raised food. The USDA is in place to protect the consumer not Big Business! Do not fail us! Put the Organic Animal Welfare Rule into effect immediately!

-Malia from Knoxville, TN

Why is this even up for debate? It is up to Americans to tell Big Ag we won't stand for these basic protections to be rescinded before they've even begun. [Agriculture Secretary] Perdue: as a Georgian, I expect more from you.

-Renee from Leesburg, GA

It's very simple: do the right thing for all animals. It's our human obligation.

-Kim from Westminster, CO

I am an American, 78 year old who grew up on a small farm where our cows, chickens and pigs were cared for carefully. I have lived in a rural area in central California for 45 years and every time I drive anywhere I have to see the heart-breaking and inhumane effects of factory farming. It gets worse every year. Please bring an end to these practices by letting the Organic Livestock and Poultry Practices rule take effect NOW.

-Ida from La Grange, CA

The animals are lucky to have passionate advocates like you, and we thank those of you who spoke up!

The fate of the organic animal welfare rule is far from certain. Stayed tuned for updates and new opportunities to tell USDA that abandoning these protections is not an option. Please join the ASPCA Advocacy Brigade today to get involved in enacting stronger protections for animals across the country.