Get Involved

Activist Toolkit

How to Testify for Farm Animals

In addition to lobbying legislators by phone, letter or personal visit, it is important to attend public hearings to show your support (or opposition) to the entire body charged with voting a measure up or down. During public hearings potential regulations and bills are discussed, offering opponents and proponents the opportunity to briefly state their position. Many decision makers wait for hearings to determine their position on an issue and the fact that you made the effort to publically speak sends an important message to the governing body regarding your level of commitment. In addition, hearings are often covered by reporters, providing an avenue for animal advocate's to get our message out to the public.

Most public hearings are held before a committee. Notices of hearings or requests for public comment can often be found in newspapers, posted at the agency's office, or are sent to affected parties or neighbors. State legislative hearing schedules are posted on the legislative body's website and some agencies have a mailing list to provide notification of hearing agendas. When you sign up for Farm Sanctuary's ACT, we will do our best to notify you about public hearings and your opportunity to speak out for the animals. Many hearings are held with very short notice (often a week or less prior to the hearing). In addition, schedules changes are common, so look for updates the day of the hearing.

Delivering the Most Effective Testimony

• Prepare. Protocol for testifying can vary so check out the website and rules before attending. Usually there is a time limit for verbal testimony, such as three minutes. Your testimony should include two or three key points that can be made within that time limit. Practice giving your testimony. Written testimony can also be submitted, but don't read directly.
• Dress appropriately. A good impression can only help your message. Be sure to keep your message focused as well. It is ok to be passionate, but avoid shouting or yelling.
• Arrive early. Be sure to show up a half hour before the hearing (some hearings may require an earlier sign-up so check first). During the hearing, other issues may be discussed, so be prepared for a long wait, particularly for contentious issues. You may also submit your testimony in written format, along with any other supporting information.
• Listen to other testimony. Do not repeat verbatim what a previous speaker presented, but do offer support for a point or position previously stated if needed. This is also a good time to learn the accepted protocol for testifying if it is your first time before the particular committee.
• Identify yourself. Begin by giving your name and where you are from and thanking the body for listening. If testifying for a special interest group, state the name of the organization or group, briefly describe the group's mission, and how many members or supporters it has.
• Clearly state your position. Give a clear and concise description of your position on the issue and what you want the body to do, i.e. "please vote yes on S 394 to protect downed animals".
• Personalize your testimony. Use your own words without being melodramatic. Formulated testimony is not as eloquent as your own words. If you have submitted testimony the body can read that later, the committee be appreciate your testimony more if it is from the heart.
• Offer to take questions. Decision makers may have questions about the issue when you finish testifying. It is ok if you do not have the answer to a question, simply offer to follow up afterwards.
• Thank the committee. Close your testimony by thanking the committee for taking the time to listen to your viewpoint.

Need help testifying for farm animals? Contact us at campaign@farmsanctuary.org