In September 2023, animal welfare association Animal Partisan filed a petition with FSIS urging local and state investigation and prosecution of overt abuse of livestock in abattoirs. The Veterinary Association of Farm Animal Welfare (VAFAW) supports the petition but deviates from Animal Partisan in maintaining that states do not have the right to supersede federal officials with respect to oversight of welfare. The VAFAW has requested the FSIS to interact with local and state agencies in the event of any deviations from the Federal Meat and Poultry Inspection Acts.
USDA inspectors are empowered to close plants by suspending inspection in the 
event of abuse. Referring cases to local or state officials is a reasonable action and could serve to strengthen welfare by focusing management attention on this aspect of plant operations.