Measure's Passage Clears Way For Farm Board
Panel Would Oversee Ohio Livestock Care
POSTED: 10:44 pm EST November 3, 2009
UPDATED: 12:31 am EST November 4, 2009
CINCINNATI -- Ohio voters approved a ballot measure Tuesday that would create a board to oversee livestock care.
Supporters said Issue 2 would give rural farmers a blueprint for battling animal welfare groups intent on outlawing cramped cages for chickens and hogs.
Agriculture industry leaders pushed the issue onto the state ballot, hoping to thwart an attempt by animal rights activists who were threatening to force farmers to change how they house livestock.
"Ohioans have spoken and clearly understand that a board of experts is the appropriate entity to make decisions on behalf of animal agriculture and food production in our state," said The Ohioans for Livestock Care Political Action Committee in a statement issued late Tuesday.
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This was a great victory for agriculture in Ohio and across the country. It showed that HSUS can’t come in and bully every state around with their agenda. It appears that it will pass with a slightly larger margin than Prop 2 had in California even. So while Wayne Pacelle licks his wounds this morning, Ohio livestock owners will continue producing a safe, affordable food supply for their neighbors. Congratulations to all of those that spent so much time and effort to ensure that this passed.
2 comments:
Actually the HSUS felt it would pass which is why they didn't put any money into the fight; however, they are already planning on putting their own constitutional amendment on the ballot in Ohio in 2010 or 2011
I cant say how happy I am that Ohio voters chose to support animal agriculture in Ohio. This was made possible because we, the farmers, decided it was well worth the time to spend away from our farms to tell Ohio residents a little more about what we do. Its an effort that I hope to see continue not only in Ohio, but across the globe.
I would like to make one comment on the article you posted above. Animal welfare groups such as AWA and local shelters overwhelmingly supported the creation of a Ohio livestock care board. The major opponents to this issue were the two major animal rights groups in this country PETA and HSUS.
Farmers are compassionate about animal welfare, we work very hard to ensure that they are comfortable, fed, watered, and housed in suitable conditions.
Now that we got Issue 2 passed here in Ohio its time to do the real work, continue to talk to others about what we are compassionate about, and prepare for whatever PETA and HSUS throws at us next.
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