I am a resident of North Carolina and I am deeply concerned about the use of Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs) in our state. It is personal to me because I believe that these operations are not only harmful to animals, but also to our environment and public health.

CAFOs are industrial-sized livestock operations that confine large numbers of animals in relatively small areas. The waste from these facilities often contains harmful pollutants, which can contaminate our water supplies and contribute to air pollution. According to the Natural Resources Defense Council, CAFOs produce 300 million tons of waste each year - more than humans do.

Furthermore, CAFOs have been linked with respiratory issues among nearby residents due to the release of harmful gases such as ammonia and hydrogen sulfide. A study published by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that people living near CAFOs have higher rates of asthma, bronchitis, and other respiratory diseases.

Finally, there is an ethical concern regarding animal welfare. Animals in CAFOs often live in cramped conditions without access to fresh air or sunlight.

For all these reasons - environmental protection, public health preservation, and animal welfare - we must end the use of Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs) in North Carolina. Please join me by signing this petition today!