Last month, a deal struck between The Humane Society of the United States, Ohioans for Humane Farms, Ohio agriculture leaders, and Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland will lead to major animal welfare improvements in Ohio. The agreement includes recommendations to adopt provisions banning veal crates, new gestation crates (small metal pens just two feet wide that prevent sows from turning around or even lying down comfortably), and the transportation of downer cows for slaughter.

And just last week, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed legislation into law requiring that eggs sold in California come from hens that are not crammed into cages. The law requires all eggs sold in the state as of Jan. 1, 2015, to come from hens able to stand up, fully extend their limbs, lie down, and fully extend their wings without touching each other or the sides of their cages. In other words: California will become a cage-free state.

The new regulations comply with the standards outlined in Proposition 2, which FACT supported back in 2008. FACT hopes these important victories are just the beginning of honest and sustainable change to the way farm animals are raised.

FACT is critical of the guidance because it fails to identify any steps the agency will take to accomplish these goals. There is no plan. The FDA first identified the need for action in the 1970s, but forty years later what we have now are principles but no concrete regulatory steps. We have learned informally that the FDA will try to accomplish its antibiotic goals by asking the factory farm industry to voluntarily stop using antibiotics to make their animals grow a bit faster. We feel that simply asking the industry to stop using a practice they see as economically beneficial, in spite of its cost to public health, is a voluntary request doomed to fail.

FACT, along with the Keep Antibiotics Working coalition (KAW), is calling for stronger regulatory action and the passage of the Preservation of Antibiotics for Medical Treatment Act (PAMTA). This legislation would force the FDA to review whether or not such antibiotic uses are harmful to human health, and then to withdraw approvals as needed. If you haven't done so already, contact your legislator in support of this legislation.

Pure Kitchen Catering partners with FACT to provide a 4-Course Chef's Table dining experience complete with a one night exhibition of some of the finest local artists. All artwork will be available for purchase at the event, with net proceeds going to the FACT.

Pure Kitchen Catering is a new catering company in Chicago that is committed to using locally-grown and sustainablely-produced ingredients. Ticket prices are $35 per guest and may be purchased online at www.artsdining.com. If you have any questions about this event, please contact Larissa McKenna.

Many have asked for it and now here it is! FACT has received an overwhelming response to the idea of an electronic newsletter. Supporters are now able to receive FACT ACTS via email. FACT strives to find cost-effective yet user-friendly approaches that meet both our environmental goals and the needs of our donors. If you are interested in receiving an email version of FACT ACTS rather than a paper copy, please email Jacki Rossi with FACT ACTS in the subject line.

Also, this summer FACT will be relocating its office. As of July 21, FACT's new address will be 3525 W. Peterson Ave., Suite #213 Chicago 60659-3314.