California is in the midst of a hidden animal welfare emergency: hundreds of pigs are suffering, starving, or dying due to neglect, cruelty, and uncontrolled backyard breeding.

In Lucerne Valley, more than 60 potbellied pigs were seized from horrifying conditions. In another case nearby, over 40 pigs were left in desert heat with no shelter, and only 17 remain—possibly the only survivors. Elsewhere, shelters are overflowing, sanctuaries are out of funds, and one rescue is shutting down due to the founder’s terminal illness.

Despite clear evidence of abuse, very few cruelty cases result in prosecution, and offenders continue to breed and hoard animals with no consequences. Rescuers are doing everything they can—but they’re running out of time, space, and support.

We, the undersigned, call on the California State Legislature, Governor Gavin Newsom, and local animal control agencies to take immediate and lasting action:

• Fund emergency support for pig rescue groups and sanctuaries, including grants for spay/neuter surgeries and medical care
• Mandate spay/neuter before pigs are released from public shelters
• Ban unregulated backyard pig breeding and sales statewide
• Create a lifetime animal ownership ban for individuals convicted of animal cruelty
• Enforce existing animal welfare laws through prosecution and public transparency
   

Every pig rescued opens a space for another life to be saved. But without intervention, California’s pig crisis will only grow worse.

Sign this petition to demand action that ends the cycle of cruelty and supports the people on the front lines trying to stop it.