Baby steps in Ohio

[flvegan]

Landmark Ohio Animal Welfare Agreement Reached Among HSUS, Ohioans for Humane Farms, Gov. Strickland, and Leading Livestock Organizations

Phase-out of extreme confinement systems for breeding pigs and veal calves; immediate moratorium on battery cage construction and other animal welfare reforms to be implemented; Gains in the making on puppy mills, cockfighting and exotic pet trade

COLUMBUS, Ohio — A deal struck between The Humane Society of the United States, Ohioans for Humane Farms, Ohio agriculture leaders and Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland will lead to major animal welfare improvements in Ohio on a raft of issues, reforming industry practices and improving prospects for adoption of critical legislation in other areas. The agreement puts a hold on a planned factory farming initiative on the fall ballot.

"I'm grateful to Governor Strickland and his administration for their outstanding leadership on these issues," said Wayne Pacelle, HSUS president and CEO. Pacelle appeared with Gov. Strickland and Ohio Farm Bureau Executive Vice President Jack Fisher at a press conference to announce the agreement. "This agreement moves us forward on all of the components of the proposed ballot measure as well as other important advances for animals, too. I look forward to working with the Legislature and the Livestock Care Board to see these reforms adopted."

The agreement includes recommendations from all of the parties for the Ohio Livestock Care Standards Care Board, the Legislature, and the Governor to adopt the following provisions:

* A ban on veal crates by 2017, which is the same timing as the ballot measure.
* A ban on new gestation crates in the state after Dec. 31, 2010. Existing facilities are grandfathered, but must cease use of these crates within 15 years.
* A moratorium on permits for new battery cage confinement facilities for laying hens.
* A ban on strangulation of farm animals and mandatory humane euthanasia methods for sick or injured animals.
* A ban on the transport of downer cows for slaughter.
* Enactment of legislation establishing felony-level penalties for cockfighters.
* Enactment of legislation cracking down on puppy mills.
* Enactment of a ban on the acquisition of dangerous exotic animals as pets, such as primates, bears, lions, tigers, large constricting and venomous snakes, crocodiles and alligators.

http://www.humanesociety.org/news/press_releases/2010/06/landmark_ohio_agreement_063010.html

Gotta start somewhere, I guess...

[MoonRiver]

1. How awesome!

HSUS is doing incredible things for animals, some of which I never thought would happen. Prayers are answered I think! :)