Sanctuary Voices Needed: Opposing Increased Slaughter Line Speeds

The USDA has proposed a rule that would increase line speeds in poultry slaughterhouses across the United States.

These facilities are already operating at speeds that make humane treatment nearly impossible and place workers at significant risk of injury. Increasing those speeds further would intensify animal suffering while also weakening food safety oversight by shifting more responsibility onto the companies themselves.

At Herd & Flock Animal Sanctuary, we care for animals who have come from industrial farming systems. We see firsthand who they are as individuals—curious, social, and deeply capable of experiencing fear, stress, and comfort.

Because of this, we believe it is critical that farmed animal sanctuaries speak out.

A Collective Sanctuary Response

We have drafted a public comment reflecting the shared perspective of sanctuary organizations and are inviting sanctuaries across the country to sign on.

Read the draft comment:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/17iRZ_BlmklZWeDGz4bM4kf9qcRCIxrfRszR28unP4LU/edit?usp=sharing

Sign on here (Deadline: April 18):
https://forms.gle/5nJr2zZVzs4C1uS88

Submit Your Own Comment

Sanctuaries and individuals may also submit their own comments directly to the federal government:

• Federal Register: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/02/19/2026-03227/maximum-line-speed-rates-for-young-chicken-and-turkey-establishments-operating-under-the-new-poultry
• Regulations.gov: https://www.regulations.gov/document/FSIS-2025-0009-0001

Deadline: April 20

Why This Matters

Public comments are an important part of the regulatory process. When agencies receive significant, informed opposition—especially from experts and organizations with direct experience—it can influence outcomes.

Sanctuaries bring a critical and often missing perspective: we know these animals not as units of production, but as individuals with personalities, preferences, and relationships.

Together, our voices can help advocate for a more humane and accountable system.