Friday, May 8, 2009

NY's Cage-Free Legislation

New York State Ponders Better Conditions for Farm Animals
(Press Release from Farm Sanctuary)
May 7, 2009

ALBANY, N.Y. - (Business Wire) The Humane Society of the United States and Farm Sanctuary, headquartered in New York, announced enthusiastic support for legislation introduced in the New York State Assembly to provide more room for farm animals.

The bill, A08163, introduced Tuesday by Assembly member Linda Rosenthal, D-Manhattan, prohibits confining breeding pigs, calves raised for veal, and egg-laying hens in cages that prevent them from turning around or extending their limbs.

“This modest measure would make a world of difference to animals subjected to the terrible pain, discomfort and abuse of extreme confinement for months on end. Common sense and an abundance of scientific evidence clearly demonstrates that animals suffer when forced to remain immobile nearly all of their lives,” said Patrick Kwan, New York state director for The HSUS.

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New York will now be dealing with a Prop 2 type bill in their state legislature. The bill was introduced this week and was referred to the Agriculture Committee. Backed by the Humane Society of the United States and Farm Sanctuary, it would force farmers to raise all of their livestock cage free. The good news is that agriculture has had some success in state legislatures, more so than at the ballot box, with these issues. In order for that success to happen though, it requires producers to be actively involved in the process.

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