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Farm Sanctuary Urges Ohio Lawmakers to Let Ohioans—Not Big Agribusiness— Decide How Farm Animals Are Treated 

Gene Baur: “Ohio legislators and Governor Strickland would do well to recognize that agribusiness’ treatment of animals is outside the bounds of acceptable conduct in a society that values compassion.”

Watkins Glen, NY – June 24, 2009 – Farm Sanctuary, the nation’s leading farm animal protection organization, which operates the largest rescue and refuge network for the victims of factory farming’s abuses in North America, today issued a statement from Gene Baur, president and co-founder, in response to legislation introduced in Ohio — Senate Joint Resolution No. 6 and House Joint Resolution No. 2 — that would amend the state constitution to give the meat, egg and dairy industries oversight over the wellbeing of farm animals:

“We are disappointed by Big Agribusiness’ blatant attempt to evade meaningful change for Ohio farm animals, but we are not surprised. Resorting to frenzied final hour diversions is a common ploy when the will of the people is not on your side. Farm Sanctuary, along with the Humane Society of the United States, conducted polls in the state that show citizens overwhelmingly want animals to be treated more humanely on farms. And let’s face it, if Big Agribusiness was capable of adequately overseeing the treatment of farm animals, then veal calves, pregnant pigs and other farm animals wouldn’t be confined in crates or cages so small they can’t turn around, lie down or extend their limbs to begin with.

Peoples’ attitudes about animals raised for food are rapidly changing, and the more they learn about the intensive confinement these animals experience behind closed doors, the more they demand that lawmakers take action to stop it. Ohio legislators and Governor Strickland would do well to recognize that agribusiness’ treatment of animals is outside the bounds of acceptable conduct in a society that values compassion. Their attempt to amend the constitution is a blatant power grab that seeks to subvert the will of the people.

At our shelters, we see first-hand the toll severe confinement systems take on farm animals, and I assure you, when the wellbeing of a living, breathing, feeling being is at stake, you don’t want to fall on the side of callous disregard. I urge the Ohio legislature to do the right thing and show these animals the compassion and consideration they deserve.

For months, the Ohio Farm Bureau has shown zero interest in the insights we have gleaned from our more than 23 years experience caring for and rehabilitating animals who once suffered from the debilitating effects of factory farming, and now they want to be the only voice in deciding how farm animals are treated? Their voice is self-interested at best, and at worst, un-democratic and un-American.

The animals are at our mercy, and it’s up to us to alleviate their suffering. Policymakers in Ohio should follow the example of sensible lawmakers, industry leaders and voters in other states, and enact laws that codify humane societal values. It’s time for Big Agribusiness to examine its practices and cease acting with blatant disregard for other animals. What is wrong with giving animals enough space to stand up, lie down, turn around, and extend their limbs? In the absence of a reasonable compromise, Ohio voters will decide the matter.”

Last month, Maine became the sixth U.S. state to ban tiny crates for animals on factory farms, joining Colorado, Florida, Arizona, and Oregon. And in a landslide vote last November, residents of California, the nation’s largest agriculture state, approved the Prevention of Farm Animal Cruelty Act, making it illegal to confine pigs in gestation crates, calves in veal crates and egg-laying hens in battery cages. Meanwhile, restaurants, producers and retailers all across the country — including Safeway, Burger King, Wendy’s, Carl’s Jr., Hardees, Wolfgang Puck and Smithfield Foods — are increasingly moving away from supporting cages and crates on factory farms.

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 farmsanctuary.org or by calling 607-583-2225.