Animals in the voting booth
The November ballot just got bigger. Secretary of State Debra Bowen certified an initiative measure on humane treatment of farm animals. Here's the title and summary from the attorney general's office:
Treatment of Farm Animals. Statute. Requires that an enclosure or tether confining specified farm animals allow the animals for the majority of every day to fully extend their limbs or wings, lie down, stand up, and turn around. Specified animals include calves raised for veal, egg-laying hens, and pregnant pigs. Exceptions made for transportation, rodeos, fairs, 4-H programs, lawful slaughter, research and veterinary purposes. Provides misdemeanor penalties, including a fine not to exceed $1,000 and/or imprisonment in jail for up to 180 days. Summary of estimate by Legislative Analyst and Director of Finance of fiscal impact on state and local government: Probably minor local and state enforcement and prosecution costs, partly offset by increased fine revenue.
For the full text, go to the attorney general's site here. Check out the proponents here.
Unlike the June 3 stealth election ballot, the November 4 election is expected to draw a huge turnout because, of course, it is the presidential election. The conventional wisdom calculates lots of liberal Democrats voting, which could bode well for an animal rights measure.
So far there are two ballot measures in November. The other one is a bond for a high-speed passenger train system.
Few people have the courage to view the many undercover videos (i.e. HSUS.org)
that document horrific farmed animal abuse--inflicted every day in factory farms
and slaughter plants everywhere. Animals literally tortured to death who suffer
a wide variety of constant, ever increasing agonies unto death. Body-tight confine-
ment & transport, beatings, electric prodding, overcrowding to the point of breaking
limbs, slaughter while still consious, drownings in boiling water, repeated artificial
inseminations, babies torn away at birth to suffer & starve alone, crippled dairy
cows, downer animals being dragged...its called exploiting defenseless animals for
profit and greed. Gail Sheehey's "Slaughterhouse" is a must read for the courageous.
Great men like Lincoln and Einstein believed that civilized people must stand
for animal rights. Now, Good People!...in November we can vote in the start of
humane treatment for farmed animals. I say God Speed!
Posted by: Barbara Scott | April 10, 2008 at 03:15 PM
As a Physician, I applaud the Humane Society of the US and the public for their initiative in getting this measure onto the November ballot. It is well documented that animals in stressful environments release hormones which, when ingested by us, are deleterious to our health. It follows then that if farm animals are raised in more humane conditions, it will not only benefit us; but will also be a testament to our commitment to morality as a civilization. In the words of M. K. Gandhi, "The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated." Please vote 'Yes' in November for the Humane treatment of Farm Animals.
Posted by: Pradipta Ghosh | April 10, 2008 at 03:14 PM
It's hard to believe that animals don't have the ability to stand up, lie down, turn around, and extend their limbs now. These are animals who live almost as though they were inanimate--confined in conditions that would drive a person crazy in short order. The pigs look like they go crazy, too; the way they rock and bite on the bars. They are not inanimate. It's almost insulting to ask for so little for them. But we should certainly not accept less; the way they currently live. We can change this, and I will wait in line if need be to vote to do so this November. It is the decent thing to do.
Posted by: Kim | April 10, 2008 at 02:30 PM
As a Physician, I applaud the Humane Society of the US and the public for wanting this measure on the November ballot. It is well documented that animals under stress release hormones which adversely affect our health. Providing farm animals with more humane living conditions will not only be beneficial to our health, but will also be a testament to our commitment to morality as a civilization. In the the words of M.K. Gandhi, 'The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.' Please vote 'Yes' on the Humane Treatment of Farm Animals.
Posted by: Pradipta Ghosh | April 10, 2008 at 02:28 PM
The first post reads: "The saddest part about this issue is that the Humane Society of the United States...will pump $MILLIONS into the campaign from people...who believed their money was going to help animals in rescue shelters." I am a member of the HSUS and very much appreciate the fact that, not only do they care about dogs and cats, but also about cows, pigs, and chickens. These are all intelligent, emotional, social, unqiuely individual earthlings. One group should not be protected while another is so intensely confined that its members cannot engage in natural behaviors. One group should not know human compassion while the other is subjected to harsh human cruelty. Meat is not necessary to sustain human life and in fact, contributes to disease and early death. According to a United Nations Report, the meat industry contributes more to global warming than the transportation industry. Even if you choose to eat animals, you should support a measure that will allow them enough room to turn around in their tiny cages before giving up their lives for you. It's the least you can do. Give farm animal some minimal protection, as they are no different in nature from our beloved pets.
Posted by: Dr Laurie Powell | April 10, 2008 at 02:07 PM
Congratulations to the Humane Society of the United States for taking this historic step to help the animals we raise for food. When Californians find out about the unthinkable conditions under which these animals live, they will support this initiative. Finally, a chance to accomplish something real and tangible for animals! I am proud to support this initiative.
Posted by: Claire Kim | April 10, 2008 at 01:51 PM
I am so excited about this! Animals on Factory Farms live the worst possible lives and this will give them at least a little bit of room to move around during their short lives. It's not nearly enough but it's something.
Posted by: Laura Beck | April 10, 2008 at 01:31 PM
Animals need our voices and legal protection or else they end up abused and neglected. Putting animal welfare into our moral and legal code is necessary to ensure that they are treated with compassion. The industry that profits off of them does not care whether or not they are terrified, in pain and uncomfortable, or under extreme stress. We need to do something to change this.
Posted by: Jodi | April 10, 2008 at 01:16 PM
I have been wondering how long it will take society to evolve to the point of demanding humane treatment for animals. It is certainly a relief to know that there is something we can do to help them by voting. I plan to spread the word to all my friends and neighbors. There is so much mistreatment of animals that we can all see how much needs to be done for dogs, cats and for farm animals. The passage of this measure will be a great stride forward.
Posted by: Lynda Hitchin | April 10, 2008 at 12:47 PM
This is the best news I've had in a LONG time! I will be at the poles to vote YES on this measure for sure!!!! I am a meat eater but, like most Americans in this country, I do not want ANY kind of animal to be tortured or to suffer a long, cruel existance just so I can put them on my plate. We all get the concept that animals have to die in order for us to consume them, but that doesn't mean we can't treat them humanely and kill them as quickly and painlessly as possible. I am willing to pay extra money for the insurance that the animal I eat led a life that would be fine for any 5 year-old to watch on a live-feed web camera....if you know what I mean. My mom grew up on a farm and as a child she understood what it meant when it was time to kill the family pig, but even at that age, she was comforted by the first-hand knowledge that the pig had lived a good life. I hope that we can move in that direction with ALL living things on this planet.
Posted by: Ange Billman | April 10, 2008 at 10:13 AM
I can't wait to vote yes on this initiative. Farm animals in California deserve better.
Posted by: Kristie | April 10, 2008 at 09:35 AM
I think it's great voting consumers get a chance to determine how the animals, whose meat and eggs consumers eat ,are housed.
Most people are unaware of how egg-laying hens, veal calves and pregnant sows are confined. And when made aware, most people are rightfully appalled by the living conditions these animals endure for months, sometimes years.
I certainly hope people will vote for the animals in the upcoming election. I know I will.
Posted by: Marji B. | April 10, 2008 at 09:14 AM
If factory farms and slaughterhouses were made of glass, everyone with a heart and a conscience would be on a plant-based diet. All animals are sentient beings, yet in the United States animals used for food are treated like unfeeling "tools of prouduction". The cruelty and suffering these animals endure for the sake of an unhealthy meal is deplorable. Besides, there is overwhelming undisputable scientific research showing that a plant based diet would reduce and many cases eliminate all our now common diseases, heart, cancer, diabetes and obesity. It is shameful how the truth is hidden from the public for the sake of dollars and paying for it in medical bills.
Posted by: Melanie Blake | April 10, 2008 at 08:33 AM
The saddest part about this issue is that the Humane Society of the United States, inherent abusers of the voter initiative and referendum process, will pump $MILLIONS into the campaign from people all across the country who believed their money was going to help animals in rescue shelters.
Posted by: Tim4Trout | April 09, 2008 at 10:11 PM