At every step of their lives, all animals should be treated with compassion and protected from suffering. Sadly, billions of farm animals lack even the most basic protections under the law. While we fight for stronger laws, we can make a difference today through more humane farming, welfare-conscious shopping and reduced consumption of animal products.
More about Farm Animal Issues
Over the last few decades, corporatized, industrialized agriculture has largely replaced America’s independent, family farms—with catastrophic consequences for animals.
What Is a Factory Farm? »
Legal Protections for Farm Animals »
Glossary of Animal-Agriculture Terms »
Farm Animals
Cows
Milk, beef and veal cows are routinely denied the basic care they need to be healthy and balanced. Learn how these animals and their three distinct industries are intertwined.
Birds
Birds raised for meat or eggs suffer severely in factory farms. Get a bird’s eye view of factory farm life.
Pigs
Pigs are sensitive, intelligent animals who thrive on companionship—see how modern confinement systems thwart pigs’ natural behaviors in the cruelest of ways.
You Can Help Farm Animals
Top 10 Ways to Help Farm Animals
Check out 10 things that anyone—even city folk!—can do to help improve the welfare of farm animals.
Making Welfare-Conscious Choices
For the well-being of animals as well as yourself, your family and our planet, learn how you can make informed decisions when purchasing animal-derived products.
Support Legislation to Help Farm Animals
Visit the ASPCA Advocacy Center to see how you can support pro-animal bills and oppose those that would promote further animal suffering and exploitation.
The ASPCA & Farm Animals
Our Fight Against Ag-Gag Bills
Find out how whistleblowers could be convicted for alerting the public to animal abuse and other problems on farms.
Timeline
The ASPCA is best known for our work protecting companion animals, so you might be surprised how far back our history of helping farm animals goes!
Policies and Positions
See the ASPCA’s official policy and position statements on matters related to farm animal welfare.