Ending Cruel Factory Farm Practices

On the heels of Michigan’s recent passage of reforms providing farm animals with more space to turn around and extend their limbs, Ohioans for Humane Farms submitted a petition—including signatures from Ohio voters in 48 counties—to Ohio’s Attorney General in support of placing an anti-cruelty measure on the statewide November ballot.

I gave up eating veal more than 30 years ago. It saddens me to see how veal calves are treated. (Photo courtesy of Farm Sanctuary.)

The proposed measure is similar to reforms that have already been enacted in Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Maine, and Oregon and would allow voters to require the Ohio Livestock Care Standards Board to adopt certain minimum standards that will prevent the cruel and inhumane treatment of farm animals, enhance food safety, protect the environment, and strengthen Ohio family farms.

Utilizing a large volunteer base, the group will seek to collect 600,000 signatures from registered Ohio voters upon approval of the petition forms by the Secretary of State. The ballot measure is backed by The Humane Society of the United States, Farm Sanctuary, Ohio SPCA, Toledo Area Humane Society, Geauga Humane Society, Ohio League of Humane Voters, Center for Food Safety, United Farm Workers, Consumer Federation of America, Center for Science in the Public Interest, and a growing list of organizations.

This measure will allow Ohio voters to provide guidance to the newly enacted Livestock Board and set certain minimum humane standards that will prevent cruel factory farming practices in Ohio, including:

· Extreme confinement in tiny cages for months on end: Tens of thousands of veal calves, 170,000 breeding pigs, and approximately 27 million egg-laying hens in Ohio are confined in cages and crates so restrictive the animals can barely move an inch for virtually their whole lives.

· Allowing “downer cows” to enter the human food chain: Allowing sick and injured animals into the food supply threatens public health and food safety. Cows too sick or injured to stand or walk on their own to slaughter should be humanely euthanized, not inhumanely dragged or pushed while being shocked and beaten onto the kill floor to be used for human consumption.

· Inhumane methods of euthanasia for sick and injured animals: In Ohio, a factory farmer was videotaped killing sick pigs by hanging them execution-style from a tractor, leaving them to writhe in the air for minutes on end. He was acquitted of cruelty for the hangings, a verdict Ohio’s agribusiness community hailed as a “huge victory,” because Ohio has no law specifically requiring humane farm animal euthanasia methods.

The Board would have six years to implement these minimum standards, allowing producers ample time to transition to more humane systems.

“As a veterinarian, I am duty-bound to protect the human-animal bond, and by supporting this measure, we as a state and nation will be improving the lives of animals,” states Cleveland veterinarian Brian Forsgren, DVM.

But I Don’t Live in Ohio?

I live in NJ, and this affects all of us. “What’s happening in Ohio is part of a nationwide movement to challenge and end cruel factory farming practices,” says Gene Baur, president of Farm Sanctuary. “In November, Ohioans will have the opportunity to make their voices heard and phase out some of the worst factory farm abuses. Caging animals in high densities leads to higher concentrations of animal waste and air and water pollution, as well as a greater risk of disease transmission such as Salmonella.”

So if you live in Ohio, visit the Farm Sanctuary site. If you have family and friends in the state, tell them to get involved.

Rod@GoPetFriendly

February 5th, 2010 at 6:04 PM

I applaud Ohio’s efforts to end cruel factory farming practices; the physical and psychological trauma that farm animals are subjected to is a travesty. And in my opinion, these practices are more of a symptom than a problem. The bigger problem is more related to people’s meat eating and over-eating habits. If more people ate less and ate less meat, the pressure on meat producers to bring food to market would drop and some of these practices could end. In addition, less meat production would make a significant dent in our CO2/global warming issues.

Karen Friesecke

February 6th, 2010 at 12:29 AM

Kudos to Ohio for their efforts to protect the wellbeing of farm animals.If the general public saw how these animals were treated, they would be appalled.

Ending Cruel Factory Farm Practices « Pet News and Views Contact

February 6th, 2010 at 10:59 AM

[...] is the original: Ending Cruel Factory Farm Practices « Pet News and Views Tags: humane-standards, livestock, [...]

Mary Shaver

February 6th, 2010 at 10:40 PM

Dear Companion Pet Lovers ~

For those of you who were unable to attend the February 3 hearing, below is a quick recap:

LIVESTOCK STANDARDS (Sayre, Bolon) To establish requirements and responsibilities of the Ohio Livestock Care Standards Board and the Director of Agriculture in administering and enforcing the rules adopted by the Board that govern the care and well-being of livestock in this state. (3rd Hearing-Opponent & interested party).

Members of a House panel overseeing a bill designed to implement Issue 2 found themselves in the midst of a legislative food fight Wednesday as opponents lined up to criticize language outlining the operations of the new Ohio Livestock Care Standards Board.

Contention between family and specialty farmers and agribusiness operations played out in the House Agriculture & Natural Resources Committee as numerous witnesses expressed a variety of concerns about potential impacts of fees and the board’s regulations impact on their farms.

Proponents have said the measure (HB 414) would ensure a safe, local food supply and equal treatment by the board for both large-scale and smaller farm operations. The administration has argued that a proposed fee increase on animal feed was necessary for quick implementation of the livestock standards program.

Testifying as an interested party, Carol Goland, executive director of the Ohio Ecological Food & Farm Association, expressed concern that the board might set standards that are at odds with the extensive federal regulations that govern organic farms.

She asked members to add an exemption for organic farms from the board’s animal care standards because the rigorous National Organic Program regulations already address livestock care conditions and health care.

“Maybe the board will determine that prior to sale, all livestock must be de-wormed with a parasiticide. That would be a violation of the organic standards, which allows the use of synthetic parasiticides only in health care emergencies, and even then there is only one such parasiticide approved for use in organic production,” she said.

“Perhaps the board will determine that for their own welfare, birds should be de-toed. This is expressly prohibited by the National Organic Program standards,” she said. “Organic producers need protection from the very real possibility that Ohio will enact standards that conflict with the National Organic Program standards.”

Ms. Goland also asked for an exemption from additional fees related to the board, explaining organic farmers already bear higher costs due to increased environmental and animal care standards. “These good stewards should not be subject to a duplicatory regulatory program and additional fees for the enforcement of livestock care standards, which do not and should not apply to them.”

The witness also expressed concern that any livestock standards board inspectors investigating complaints will be unfamiliar with organic livestock practices and noted animal welfare complaints are already investigated by a certifying agency.

Rep. Carlton Weddington (D-Columbus) asked if having a representative of organic farmers on the board would address her concerns. Ms. Goland said it could help slightly, but would still prefer an exemption.

Rep. James Zehringer (R-Ft. Recovery) said he believed the board should have a member with expertise with organic production and that animal care standards should not exceed federal regulations. However, it should be the board’s decision as to whether or not organic farmer should be exempt from their jurisdiction, he added.

Ms. Goland said her concern was over whether the board’s regulations would conflict with federal standards, not exceed them.

Joe Logan of the Ohio Environmental Council, expressed similar concerns about the language’s impact on organic farms, and said the bill fails to ensure compliance with any of the board’s livestock care standards.

In response to a question from Rep. Weddington, Ms. Goland said there were about 1,000 certified organic farm operations in Ohio. Mr. Logan said many other farmers follow organic practices, but don’t complete the certification process due to costs.

A. David Hutchins, owner of Mill Creek Farms in Mansfield, expressed concern about the proposed fee increase on animal feed, saying it would compound financial problems for independent farms, many of which are already going out of business.

“We were told there would be no fee increase,” he said about the Issue 2 campaign. The proposed fee increase is an unfair burden on family farms because large-scale operations usually produce their own animal feed and “therefore they won’t pay this tax.”

Further, the ambiguous language could exempt large corporate livestock operations from the board’s regulations because they generally sell their product out of state to large retail chains.

John Sproat, of the League of Humane Voters, criticized the legislation’s complaint-driven inspection regimen and said mandatory inspections were the only way to ensure a safe food supply.

Animal abuse in concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) may never be discovered since the only way problems would be reported is through self-reporting or whistle-blower complaints from employees, he said. “It’s a loose system, it can’t be enforced that way. You don’t know if the animals are getting excellent care.”

Rep. Zehringer said the measure wouldn’t interfere with existing Department of Agriculture inspections of CAFOs. Mr. Sproat said ODA inspections don’t focus on animal care standards, adding, “Excellence in animal care. That’s what I want to see and that’s what the voters voted for.”

Bob Baker, senior manager, farm animal welfare, for the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, said his group is supportive of standards that assure humane treatment for farm animals.

Among other things, he said the bill should include standards regarding food, water, care, safe and healthy environments and veterinary care. He said the bill should also address the treatment of animals that are enduring pain and suffering.

Gary Cox, a Columbus attorney, also focused on Issue 2, which he said was a “bill of goods.” He said the plan didn’t assure that Ohioans would have safe and local food, arguing that large-scale providers regularly send their animals out of state for processing.

He said lawmakers should be clear about their intent with the bill to help courts with future interpretations. He also urged members to specifically exclude dogs and cats as livestock and said exemptions should be included for organic farmers.

Mr. Cox also called on the members to specifically make the board subject to sunshine, public records and Chapter 119 proceedings, and impose a “duty” on the director of agriculture to inspect operations.

Rep. Zehringer said many small farm operation incorporate due to tax benefits, adding “We all love to see the image of the family farm the way it was in the 40s and 50s, but its just not that way any more.”

William Donaldson of Killbuck raised concerns that the board could open farms to unreasonable searches by government officials. He said that authority appears to circumvent citizens’ ability to operate in private.

He also said he suspects the Humane Society of the United States would support the bill, suggesting that it lets the organization enforce its agenda at the expense of farmers.

Trevor Stover, a Lexington cattle producer, raised concerns about the scope of Issue 2, saying Ohio voters were “ambushed” by a “campaign of fear and deception.”

Mr. Stover said backers of the effort convinced Ohioans that the issue was meant to protect family farmers, but said he opposed the plan. He also raised concerns that the board’s financial burden is placed heavily on livestock producers.

Rep. Zehringer said he wishes the state didn’t have to take such actions, but said it is necessary because “out of state activist groups” are trying to get involved in the operations of Ohio farms.

He and Chair Domenick noted that lawmakers are reviewing other options for funding the board.

Ending Cruel Factory Farm Practices « Pet News and Views | Drakz Free Online Service

February 7th, 2010 at 1:28 AM

[...] here: Ending Cruel Factory Farm Practices « Pet News and Views Share and [...]

vloertegels

February 7th, 2010 at 4:44 AM

Maybe a bit of a strange reply, but I like the template you use and I really wanted to let you know! With some nice posts this blog is really good

Edie

February 7th, 2010 at 10:52 AM

Thanks for writing about this. Anything one can do to raise people’s consciousness about how their “food” is treated is a good thing (Temple Grandin and her work to improve slaughterhouses comes to mind because of the new HBO film on her life.) Most people want to behave humanely and not think of themselves as perpetuating a cruel system. One state at a time…

Michele

February 8th, 2010 at 8:44 AM

Thanks Edie, Temple Grandin is an amazing person. I saw the HBO special, and was so moved by her statement that wildlife is cruel, but we don’t have to be.

February 8th, 2010 at 8:53 AM

Thanks Mary, for keeping us informed and up-to-date on this important issue.

David

February 8th, 2010 at 9:34 AM

As Gene Baur mentions, this effort is important for people all over the country, not just in Ohio. Please sign up to volunteer at http://farmsanctuary.org/ohio/ today!

Also, for those of you living in Massachusetts or New York, you can support similar legislation in those states. Learn more here:
- Massachusetts: http://www.farmsanctuary.org/get_involved/alert_MA_hb815.html
- New York: http://www.farmsanctuary.org/newyork/

Want to learn how to get similar legislation in your state? Find out how: http://www.farmsanctuary.org/get_involved/alert_cruel_confinement.html

February 8th, 2010 at 10:18 AM

Thanks for the links. Farm Sanctuary is working hard to improve the lives of farm animals. I really appreciate it.

February 9th, 2010 at 6:36 AM

[...] Ending Cruel Factory Farm Practices « Pet News and Views Share and [...]

February 9th, 2010 at 6:40 AM

[...] the original: Ending Cruel Factory Farm Practices « Pet News and Views Share and [...]

sally palmer

March 9th, 2010 at 3:00 PM

Education about humane animal farming practices is so important,as is information about what people can do to help bring them about. We need to be able to see the complexities so we can see what is just an excuse for incompetence, ignorance, cruelty, and greed. Those on the front lines of this effort must keep letting people know what they can do to help, and why they should.

Pet News and Views

Categories

Ending Cruel Factory Farm Practices

14 comments to Ending Cruel Factory Farm Practices

Leave a Reply

Recent Posts

Blogs I Recommend

Blog Sponsors

Pet Health and Safety