COLUMBUS — A proposed state board charged with developing and enforcing guidelines for livestock and poultry care would thwart meaningful reform in the housing of farm animals, the Humane Society of the United States said on Monday, June 22.
But Gov. Ted Strickland, legislators from both parties and representatives of animal agriculture support a state constitutional amendment that would create a 13-member Livestock Care Standards Board. Joint resolutions proposed late last week in the House and Senate, if passed, would put the amendment before voters Nov. 3.
“This is a constitutional power grab on behalf of big agribusiness,” said Paul Shapiro of HSUS. “This is creating an industry-dominated council that will certainly codify standard inhumane practices on factory farms.”
The council would include three “family farmers,” two veterinarians, a food safety expert, a representative of a local humane society, two members from statewide farm organizations, the dean of an Ohio agriculture college, and two members representing Ohio consumers. The director of the Ohio Department of Agriculture would serve ex officio as a 13th member.
In February, HSUS officials met with Ohio farm groups to discuss the elimination of gestation crates for pregnant pigs, and battery cages for Ohio’s 27 million egg-laying hens. HSUS claims animals should be able to stand, sit, turn around and extend their limbs at all times.
Ballot initiatives in California and other states, passed by wide margins, have mandated similar animal care. The HSUS had said it likely would put a ballot initiative before Ohio voters in 2010 if farm groups wouldn’t join it in crafting legislation.
The proposed animal care board would pull together the best expertise and operate in full public view, said Keith Stimpert of the Ohio Farm Bureau.
“Having a discussion about animal care ... at the ballot box does not seem to be a very reasonable approach,” Stimpert said.
If the amendment passes in November, HSUS would almost certainly pursue a ballot initiative for 2010, Shapiro said.
The Ohio Farmers Union expressed concern about creating a new board, citing “another level of bureaucracy” and potentially a need for more funding at a time of severe state budget cuts.
