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Arizonians Vote For Farm Animals On Election Day

Historic Ballot Initiative Bans Cruel Crates for Veal Calves and Breeding Pigs

Phoenix, AZ - November 8, 2006 - The ballot tally of Arizona voters on Election Day, November 7, 2006, proved that most citizens are opposed to the standard agriculture practices in modern factory farms which severely restricts the movement of calves raised for veal and breeding pigs. Over 62 percent of voters said "Yes" to Proposition 204 which will allow these animals enough room to turn around and stretch their limbs.

The passing of this precedent-setting humane proposition makes Arizona the first state in the nation to enact such a measure banning veal crates and the second state to ban gestation crates for breeding pigs. Gestation crates were banned through another citizen initiative in Florida in 2002.

Arizonans for Humane Farms, a coalition of animal protection groups including Farm Sanctuary, launched this statewide ballot campaign in September, 2005. In July, 2006, Arizonans for Humane Farms surpassed the required number of valid signatures to qualify this groundbreaking humane initiative as a proposition for the November 2006 ballot. The goal was to collect at least 200,000 signatures in the ten-month gathering period, but volunteers surpassed expectations, and the campaign turned in over 218,000 signatures.

"The November 7 vote is a triumph for farm animals everywhere," said Gene Baur (formerly Bauston), Farm Sanctuary president and co-founder. "The people of Arizona can be proud to know that they chose compassion over corporate cruelty. By enacting Proposition 204, Arizona residents have set an important example for people across the U.S."

Farm Sanctuary, The Humane Society of the United States, Arizona Humane Society, and Animal Defense League of Arizona led the effort to pass Proposition 204. The measure was endorsed by 12 major newspapers including the Arizona Republic, East Valley Tribune and Arizona Daily, and was supported by over 100 state veterinarians, Sheriff Joe Arpaio, radio legend Paul Harvey and many others. Eleven of Arizona's fifteen counties voted "Yes" on Proposition 204, and the "Yes" campaign eclipsed the "No" campaign by more than 260,000 votes.

About Farm Sanctuary
Farm Sanctuary is the nation's leading farm animal protection organization. Since incorporating in 1986, Farm Sanctuary has worked to expose and stop cruel practices of the "food animal" industry through research and investigations, legal and institutional reforms, public awareness projects, youth education, and direct rescue and refuge efforts. Farm Sanctuary shelters in Watkins Glen, N.Y., and Orland, Calif., provide lifelong care for hundreds of rescued animals, who have become ambassadors for farm animals everywhere by educating visitors about the realities of factory farming. Additional information can be found at www.farmsanctuary.org or by calling 607-583-2225.