Auctions

Auctions, also commonly referred to as “stockyards” or “livestock markets,” are establishments where farm animals are kept until they are sold or shipped on to another destination. Some animals may have to endure transport to multiple auctions before they are ultimately sold for fattening, or more likely, for slaughter.

Auctions have a poor record of animal welfare. Lacking are protocols that provide all animals with sufficient food, water and shade in hot weather, and comfortable quarters in cold weather.  Sick, injured and/or badly neglected animals are often brought to these places.  Auction pens may be overcrowded and downed animals left to die, and sometimes even tossed onto garbage piles while still alive. 

In the U.S., auctions are regulated by the Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA), an agency of the USDA that promotes the marketing and trade of farm animals and agricultural products. Historically, GIPSA has refused to address animal welfare concerns and incidents of abuse and neglect continue to occur.

Establishments that sell living animals to individual consumers for personal consumption are called “wet markets.” In many cases wet markets slaughter animals (birds, reptiles, amphibians and small mammals) on the premises. These markets are poorly regulated and animal welfare standards and safeguards non-existent.

Due to serious welfare concerns and the potential for spreading disease, AWI opposes the selling of animals at markets. However, to reduce animal suffering associated with the auctions that do exist, AWI advocates:

• an age limit on animals sent to market (calves under 10 days of age for example)
• requiring health certificates indicating fitness for marketing for all animals
• setting of standards for animal care at auctions including requirement that sick and injured animals be promptly and humanely euthanized
• assessment of penalties for noncompliance with standards