1. United States
2. Ala.
3. Letter

I am writing as an Alabama resident to express my strong opposition to the proposed “Save Our Bacon” Act and any federal effort that would override state animal welfare laws and regulations. Alabama leaders frequently and rightly defend the principle of states’ rights and limited federal interference in state governance. That principle should apply here as well. States must retain the authority to establish standards for how animals are treated within their own borders and to decide what products may be sold in their markets. A federal law that invalidates state-level animal welfare protections is not only harmful to animals — it is also a direct contradiction of the values of local control and state sovereignty that Alabama officials often champion. Regardless of where someone stands politically, allowing the federal government to nullify state-chosen protections sets a dangerous precedent. If states lose the power to regulate humane treatment standards today, what other state laws could Congress decide to override tomorrow? This legislation also rewards industrial agricultural practices that many Americans find deeply troubling. Animals deserve humane treatment, and states should be free to reflect the ethical concerns of their citizens through democratically enacted laws and regulations. Stripping states of that authority prioritizes the interests of large agribusiness corporations over both animal welfare and constitutional principles of federalism. I urge you to publicly oppose the “Save Our Bacon” Act and any similar legislation that would prevent states from enforcing animal welfare standards or regulating products sold within their own borders. Alabama should stand for responsible governance, respect for state authority, and basic humane treatment of animals — not federal overreach that weakens both. Please defend the rights of states to govern themselves and protect humane standards according to the will of their citizens.