The U.S. Department of Agriculture has proposed increasing slaughter line speeds and, in some instances, removing line speed limits for pigs, chickens, and turkeys.

Current regulations already allow for the slaughter of up to 1,106 pigs per hour and 140 birds per minute. The proposed changes prioritize production and profit at the expense of established legal protections and ethical responsibilities to minimize suffering and protect human health. The deadline for submitting public comments opposing this rule is April 20, 2026, at 11:59 PM EDT (links to public comment posted below).

Increasing slaughter line speeds predictably results in greater animal suffering. Higher speeds reduce the reliability of proper stunning, which can leave animals conscious during slaughter. Birds and pigs may enter scalding tanks alive and remain fully conscious as their throats are cut. These outcomes are not only inhumane but also inconsistent with the requirements of the Humane Methods of Slaughter Act. Given that billions of animals are slaughtered annually, even small increases in speed can cause significant, preventable suffering.

The negative impacts of this proposal extend beyond animal welfare. Slaughterhouse workers, who already experience some of the highest injury rates in the nation, would face increased risks of severe physical strain, chronic injury, and psychological trauma under accelerated line conditions. Additionally, reduced oversight may compromise food safety and public health, thereby undermining systems designed to protect consumers.

This proposal exemplifies a broader decline in regulatory accountability, as safeguards are weakened despite substantial and longstanding evidence of harm. It represents a setback for animal welfare, worker safety, and the integrity of the food system.

Act now:
Submit your public comments before the April 20, 2026, deadline at 11:59 PM EDT.
To address concerns regarding pig welfare, comments may be submitted at https://www.regulations.gov/commenton/FSIS-2025-0009-0001

For issues related to chickens and turkeys, comments may be submitted at https://www.regulations.gov/commenton/FSIS-2025-0012-0003

Official USDA Statement
https://www.usda.gov/about-usda/news/press-releases/2026/02/17/usda-takes-action-lower-food-costs-consumers-and-strengthen-supply-chain-through-proposed-changes

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