California Election 2008: Proposition 2
October 21st, 2008Prop 2 – STANDARDS FOR CONFINING FARM ANIMALS
My Summary: I’ll take this straight from the voter guide: “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.”
My Opinion: First of all, I think there is a clear distinction between humans and animals. Animals shouldn’t be tortured, but I don’t think they are equivalent to humans. So is there really a problem with animal treatment? From what I’ve read California law already calls for the humane treatment of animals, so I’m leery of why we need a ballot proposition to fix this “problem.” A ballot proposition seems like a stupid way to address this. Why not do it in the legislature where the politicians could work with poultry and dairy farmers? Personally, I think it’s somewhat of a power grab by animal rights activists. An ad on tv shows a forklift rolling a cow over on the ground. Obviously that’s unacceptable, and it’s probably against California law right now, but why do they show that in the commercial when the bill is about animal housing? To tug at your heart strings and make the farm, dairy, and poultry people look evil. That’s disingenuous.
I actually find the economic effects more compelling. I’ll copy and paste a couple I found at Ballotpedia:
A May 2008 study by Promar International that was commissioned by opponents to Prop. 2 estimated the fiscal impact of the measure on the California agriculture industry and consumers. This study concluded:
* 95% of the California egg industry and accompanying economic output would be lost by 2015.
* The total current economic output of the industry is $648 million and 3,561 jobs.
* Egg production costs would increase by 76%.
There was also a UC Davis study that estimated the cost of eggs would increase by 25%, but it would be a mute point because most of the egg producing farms would just move out of state. Overall the impact to the California economy would be a big negative. Instead of getting our eggs from our local economy, we would get more from out of state than we do now, and possibly Mexico.
Bottom Line: I don’t think an issue like this should be decided by a poorly worded proposition. If the legislature thinks this is a big issue, then they can duke it out and make some laws (that’s their job!).
I am voting NO on Prop 2.
Make sure you visit Geeky Weekly for his take on Prop 2.
I voted no as well. I didn’t like the economic outcome, and I don’t like more beaureaucratic restrictions on industry that are unnecessary.
Actually I think the animals also deserve daily massages and weekly pedicures. And have you seen the small space a corn stalk is given. Talk about cruelty.
Let’s ask the farmers what they think, the ones who see the animals every day. If anyone should feel sorry for animals it should be them. Newsflash: they don’t. It’s food
Next.
This one tears at my heart. I could vote for what my brain wants, or I could vote for what my heart wants. Yes, animals are different then humans. But the cages they are shoved in and more are just plain wrong.
What my head says: Our economy can’t handle anymore job cuts or money losses, and the loss of our egg farms is a huge one. In California we don’t have any (maybe a tiny few) veal farms, and there aren’t many pig farms either. This is a very poorly written proposition and realistically only applies to chickens in CA. This would definitely hurt our economy … therefore no bueno.
My heart: I’ve had a Hen as a pet (yes-i’m odd-shush). If people say that chickens don’t have emotions or don’t really realize what is going on, then you have no idea the brains those suckers have.For example: Our hen used to peck at our glass door,until we would slowly open it and she would walk her way into the living room,progress towards the chair,jump up on the chair, and then be content watching t.v. with the family. If we kept her outside, she would complain and would find a way to get herself inside. Example 2: Every night, a quarter to 6, Henny Penny would sit and wait for her delivery of food with the dogs … she would take her pieces in her beak and take them away from the dogs, then proceed to eat. Example 3: when the family is outside eating dinner, henny penny comes over and jumps on someones shoulder. She then proceeds to except her nightly scratchies and falls asleep.She just wanted to be a part of the party.
So trust me, they notice.They care,they hurt,and they have feelings.
Therefore, I know i won’t be able to make up my mind till i walk up to the booth to vote, darn head and heart not agreeing!