ave Our Bacon Act and the Fight to Protect Farm Animals

Farm animals need enough room to stand, turn around, and stretch their limbs. Yet even these basic protections remain the subject of an intense political fight. Cheryl Moss welcomes back Matthew Dominguez of Compassion in World Farming to discuss the Save Our Bacon Act and what he sees as its threat to progress against extreme confinement.

Why Proposition 12 matters

Matthew explains how California’s Proposition 12 and other state measures have become important tools for improving conditions for farmed animals. He describes the effort to challenge these protections through federal legislation and explains why advocates are focused on language that could be included in the Farm Bill. His concern extends beyond one campaign: weakening state protections could affect the movement’s ability to secure future improvements.

The wider costs of factory farming

The conversation connects animal suffering with the lives of workers, farming communities, and consumers. Matthew discusses corporate influence, industry consolidation, environmental damage, and the pressure facing family farmers. He also challenges the argument that animal welfare protections are responsible for rising food prices, encouraging listeners to look more closely at the broader forces shaping the food system.

Unlikely allies can strengthen the movement

One encouraging theme is the range of people willing to oppose extreme confinement. Matthew describes animal advocates working alongside family farmers, faith leaders, and businesses with different motivations but shared concerns. Cheryl and Matthew explore why reaching beyond familiar audiences can make advocacy more effective. Agreement on every issue is not required to work toward a specific improvement for animals.

Hope needs a direction

Matthew urges advocates to describe the food system they want to build, alongside explaining the harms they want to end. The discussion includes antibiotic use in industrial farming, the importance of healthier ecosystems, and the need for a future that supports animals and people. He also reflects on the movement’s long-term strategy and the importance of connecting public concern with sustained civic engagement.

Everyday choices and a stronger public voice

Listeners leave with a practical message: individual actions matter when they become part of collective pressure. Matthew encourages people to pay attention to the companies they support, stay informed through animal protection organizations, and speak with their elected representatives about farm animal welfare. His vision is hopeful and demanding: the food system was shaped by human decisions, and people can make different decisions. Listen to the full conversation and share it with someone who cares about animals, farmers, or the future of our food.

Episode highlights

[00:00] Introduction

[02:00] Death by a thousand cuts

[03:45] What is the Save Our Bacon Act really about

[06:00] The truth about Proposition 12

[10:00] Factory farming realities for the environment, human rights, and animals

[15:00] Unlikely allies for the animals

[19:00] Why all food prices are becoming unaffordable

[23:00] The false argument to justify the prices

[26:00] There is hope

[28:00] Antibiotic use is out of control

[30:30] Factory farming is leading to our extinction

[35:00] The power of collaboration and advocacy

[38:30] The solution is moving the money into regenerative agriculture

[41:00] Vote with your dollars

[44:30] Call your U.S. senators

About Matthew Dominguez

Matthew Dominguez serves as the U.S. Executive Director of Compassion in World Farming USA, where he leads national efforts to end factory farming and advance a more humane, sustainable food system. Since stepping into the role in December 2024, he has been at the forefront of driving impactful change for farmed animals across the United States.

In this capacity, Matthew provides strategic leadership for high-level campaigns, policy advocacy, and cross-sector partnerships designed to challenge industrial animal agriculture and promote higher welfare standards. He works closely with a passionate and skilled team to elevate public awareness, influence corporate practices, and support legislative initiatives that prioritize animal welfare, environmental sustainability, and public health.

With a strong commitment to systemic change, Matthew focuses on building alliances with stakeholders across the food industry, nonprofit sector, and advocacy community. His leadership emphasizes practical, results-driven approaches that not only expose the realities of factory farming but also accelerate the adoption of compassionate and sustainable alternatives.

Based in New York City, Matthew is dedicated to reshaping the future of food by championing policies and practices that reflect both ethical responsibility and long-term global sustainability. His work continues to play a vital role in advancing a food system that respects animals, supports human health, and protects the planet.

Learn more at: www.ciwf.com

About Cheryl Moss

Cheryl Moss is the host of the Better Life for Animals podcast, where she shares uplifting stories from sanctuaries and highlights the work of vegan activists, ethical consumers, and animal welfare leaders. She is also the founder of the Funding Blueprint for Sanctuaries summit, designed to empower those involved with sanctuaries to create sustainable funding streams.

A passionate advocate for animal welfare, Cheryl is dedicated to ending factory farming and supporting underrepresented sanctuaries.

Beyond podcasting, Cheryl is a banking professional and an accomplished children’s author. A graduate of Main Street Vegan Academy, she recently added Vystopia Transformation to her resume. The Vystopia work, created by psychologist Clare Mann, focuses on the emotional impact many people experience after becoming aware of animal suffering and exploitation. The training offers tools for resilience, communication, and emotional well-being while continuing to advocate for positive change.

Through her books, Gabriel, Cluck, and Pickle the Pig, Cheryl inspires young readers to embrace kindness, sustainability, and compassion for animals.

When not advocating, she enjoys Pilates and spending time with her rescue dogs and grandchildren. Through her work, writing, and activism, Cheryl continues to inspire positive change for animals and the planet.

https://www.facebook.com/BLFAnimals/