While the Presidential election is getting most of the attention these days, I thought it might be a good idea to start looking at some of the other stuff that will be on ballots across the country.
I'm personally a California (CA-08, San Francisco) resident, and so I'll probably be focusing on stuff local to me. However, if other people want to get on this series, I highly encourage them to do so.
Or if you feel that there's something notable somewhere else and would like me to cover it, just let me know and I'll try to.
Anyway, onto the first one: CA Proposition 2. (Prop 1 has been removed from the ballot.)
Proposition 2 is known as STANDARDS FOR CONFINING FARM ANIMALS. INITIATIVE STATUTE
Summary
* Requires that calves raised for veal, egg-laying hens and pregnant pigs be confined only in ways that allow these animals to lie down, stand up, fully extend their limbs and turn around freely.
* Exceptions made for transportation, rodeos, fairs, 4-H programs, lawful slaughter, research and veterinary purposes.
* Provides misdemeanor penalties, including a fine not to exceed $1,000 and/or imprisonment in jail for up to 180 days.
Fiscal Impact
* Potential unknown decrease in state and local tax revenues from farm businesses, possibly in the range of several million dollars annually.
* Potential minor local and state enforcement and prosecution costs, partly offset by increased fine revenue.
Background
Animal agriculture is a major industry in California. Over 40 million animals are raised for commercial purposes on California farms and ranches. California’s leading livestock commodities are milk and other dairy products, cattle, and chickens.
In recent years, there has been a growing public awareness about farm animal production methods, and how these practices affect the treatment of the animals. In particular, concerns have been expressed about some animal farming practices, including the housing of certain animals in confined spaces, such as cages or other restrictive enclosures.
Partly in response to these concerns, various animal farming industries have made changes in their production practices. For example, certain industries have developed guidelines and best practices aimed, in part, at improving the care and handling of farm animals.
State law prohibits cruelty to animals. Under state law, for example, any person who keeps an animal confined in an enclosed area is required to provide it with an adequate exercise area, and permit access to adequate shelter, food, and water. Other laws specifically related to farm animals generally focus on the humane transportation and slaughter of these animals. Depending upon the specific violation, an individual could be found guilty of a misdemeanor or felony punishable by a fine, imprisonment, or both.
Argument Summaries
PRO
YES on Prop. 2 protects animals, consumers, family farmers, and our environment. Animals deserve humane treatment. Denying them space to turn around or stretch their limbs is cruel and wrong. Supporters: Humane Society of the United States, California Veterinary Medical Association, Consumer Federation of America, Center for Food Safety.
www.YesOnProp2.org.
CON
Proposition 2 is too RISKY. Californians enjoy safe, local, affordable eggs. A UC Davis study says Proposition 2 eliminates California egg production. Instead, our eggs will come from out-of-state and Mexico. Public health experts oppose Proposition 2 because it THREATENS increased human exposure to Salmonella and Bird Flu.
Vote No.
For full arguments in favor and opposed to this proposition, visit http://www.voterguide.sos.ca.gov/....
Personal Analysis
This is one proposition I feel very strongly about. I feel as if it is exceptionally cruel to keep animals confined in pens and cages that are too small for them to even turn around. We don't allow kids to abuse stray dogs, and I kind of see the treatment some animals receive to be almost as cruel if not moreso.
Additionally, the more tightly packed animals are in farms, the more easily that diseases can be spread among animals, which threatens the safety of our food.
As Californians and Americans, we know that the importance of safety, health, and ethics is more important than saving a little money. We cannot just point elsewhere and say "Well, they're still packing animals together tightly, so should we!" Several other states have already adopted such measures, and we in California need to follow their lead for our health and safety, and for the protection of our farm animals.
Personal Endorsement
Vote YES on Proposition 2.
And so I hope you've enjoyed the first in what may well be a series of these, if people like them enough. Let me know!