Posted on 11/05/2008 9:48:28 AM PST by WilliamReading
11-05) 08:17 PST SACRAMENTO -- A measure that would ban farmers from raising egg-laying hens, veal calves and pregnant pigs in small cages and crates by 2015 appeared to be headed for victory this morning.
Supporters of Proposition 2 said the initiative would guarantee farm animals a better life, giving them the space they need to stand up, turn around, lie down and extend their wings, as well as prevent diseases caused by overcrowding.
Opponents argue that the measure would put California's egg industry out of business, as well as put consumers at risk for disease from imported eggs produced in countries with less stringent standards.
Voters seemed to be siding with the Humane Society of the United States, the backers of the initiative.
With 95 percent of the precincts reporting, the "Stop Animal Cruelty" measure was winning by 63 percent.
"California voters have taken a stand for decency and compassion and said that the systemic mistreatment of animals on factory farms cannot continue," said Wayne Pacelle, president and chief operating officer of the Humane Society. "All animals deserve humane treatment, including animals raised for food."
Florida, Arizona, Colorado and Oregon have passed similar laws for swine and veal.
But California would be the first state in the nation to demand that all egg-producing chickens be kept in more spacious enclosures or free to roam around a henhouse.
Most pig and veal farmers in the state already have gone to larger pen sizes for their animals, making the battle mostly between poultry ranchers and animal-rights activists.
California produces about 6 percent of the nation's table eggs, a $330 million business in 2007. Fifty percent of the eggs sold in California come from other states.
(Excerpt) Read more at sfgate.com ...
You, apparently.
These hens are severely stressed and the mortality rates can get excessive. Stress leads to increased susceptible to disease and illness. Not sure how it is handled now, but we were required to incinerate the dead and diseased birds to prevent protect the native birds(late 70s).
These farmers are producing food for our dinner table where do you draw the line as to Government(FDA)involvement.
It is alleged that China force feeds swine waste water to increase market weight is that acceptable for you.
In a free society we have as little government as possible. The government should ensure food is safe from pathogens and toxic chemicals. Animal rights however is a religion. Let the market place dictate religiously based food production, not the government.
Free Republic is for those who believe in freedom from government and freedom of government, that is what i believe.
“It is alleged that China force feeds swine waste water to increase market weight is that acceptable for you. ?”
I don't eat anything from China, as I assume the food would be contaminated. This thread was about a bill that passed in California, not China
You call this farming sorry my family and I disagree and got out of the business. Everyday of my early teenage life I collected hundred of dead or dying birds to Incinerate.
The day we lost power and the generator failed to kick in we must have lost 20-30 thousands birds in less than 1 hour.
I am a life long hunter/fisher but this is senseless cruelty
Imagine that China has no FDA. So you have no problem with me force feeding waste-water to my livestock or how about re-feeding cattle manure as food for Swine. You okay with me selling this pork to the slaughter house.
The Government(FDA) prevents me from doing this as a health concern. If this was about animal rights we could only be vegetarians.
Thank you.
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