California's Prop 2 vs. Missouri's Prop B

By: Alison Bos

After personally witnessing the heated debate on Proposition B here in Missouri, curiosity inclined me to research California’s Proposition 2 from 2008. This particular proposition dealt with standards regarding the confinement of farm animals and was backed by organizations such as the Humane Society of the United States (Proposition 2- Standard for Confining Farm Animals, 2008). It appeared on the 2008 ballot in California and passed with 63.5% of the voters voting yes (YesonProp2.com is Available, 2008). With 2010 Election Day drawing near, people need to be aware of similar legislation in other states that have been introduced and passed. Even though California is hundreds of miles away, Missouri voters need to know what Proposition 2 means to the state of California and its agriculture industry.

So what is Proposition 2 exactly? When Proposition 2 was introduced, this question was presented. “Shall certain farm animals be allowed, for the majority of every day, to fully extend their limbs or wings, lie down, stand up and turn around?” (Proposition 2- Standard for Confining Farm Animals, 2008).  The proposition affects egg-laying hens, veal calves and pregnant sows and sets standards stating that these animals will have enough room to “lie down, stand, turn around and fully extend their limbs” (AVMA, 2008). From one viewpoint, this appears to be a fair proposition. Shouldn’t animals be able to perform these things? 63.5% of California voters thought so.

According to the Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association website, Proposition 2 was a “landmark victory for animals” and will allow approximately 20 million farm animals freedom. Since this proposition passed, farm animal confinement regulations are going to be drastically changed. Beginning in 2015, state law will prohibit the full confinement (which means not being able to lie down, turn around freely, stand up and fully extend their limbs) of pregnant sows, veal calves and egg-laying hens (Proposition 2- Standards for Confining Farm Animals). This appears to have a positive impact on California agriculture. Or does it?

Now that I have shared the positive aspects of Proposition 2, I must present you with views coming from the opposing side. The American Veterinary Medical Association was a group that was against this proposition. They made this statement in a response to Proposition 2-

We are concerned that legislating isolated, arbitrary and emotion-based criteria to implement farm animal housing systems may actually do more harm than good for the well-being of the animals while compromising the sustainability of production systems that are essential to ensure we continue to have the safest, most affordable, and abundant food supply in the world (AVMA, 2008).

I chose this direct quote because it expressed concern about the welfare of farm animals, but also expressed concern about the potential results if the proposition was passed. The well-being of the farm animals would be threatened. For example, pregnant sows were specifically included in this proposition. Pregnant sows are put into crates for a reason (McGlone, 2001). Chickens are kept in confinement to reduce the exposure to outside sources of disease, which calls for safer eggs (Proposition 2- Standards for Confining Farm Animals, 2008). The main argument that I found on the Smartvoter and AVMA websites were that California already had pages of laws protecting animals from abuse. The point that I want to strongly state through these examples is that there are some legitimate reasons for practicing the housing methods of farm animals that farmers currently do. (Saying this, I do not support methods that are harmful to animals. I do believe some farming methods need to be improved and revised. If someone abuses an animal, they should be punished.) It is for these reasons that I express my concern about Proposition 2.

            Now that I have discussed the pros and cons of Proposition 2, I would like to point out some similarities between Proposition 2 of California and Proposition B of Missouri. First of all, they are both backed by animal rights organizations, especially the Humane Society of the United States (The Truth about Prop B, 2010). Also, just like California, Missouri has pages of regulations regarding the proper treatment of animals. Proposition 2 of California was very emotion-based. Supporters of Proposition B are using a similar approach. They have commercials showing innocent puppies and abused dogs. Whose heart would not soften when pictures of these dogs are displayed?

            After completing my research on California’s Proposition 2, I truly have a deep concern for Missouri’s Proposition B if it is passed. If a proposition that dealt with the treatment of animals was passed in California, that means a similar proposition in Missouri has the potential of being passed as well. Right now is a very crucial time for animal agriculture not only in states such as California and Missouri, but the entire United States. I am very curious and anxious to see if Missouri will follow in California’s footsteps. We will know for sure after Missouri voters decide on November 2^nd.

References

AVMA Concerned about California Ballot Initiative (2008, August 26). Retrieved October 20, 2010, from http://www.avma.org/onlnews/javma/sep08/x080915b.asp

McGlone, J. J. (2001). Alternative Sow Housing: Driven by legislation, regulation, free trade and free market systems (but not science). Thesis, Pork Industry Institute, Lubbock. Retrieved October 22, 2010, from http://www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/livestock/pork/pdf/bab13s03.pdf

Proposition 2: Standards for Confining Farm Animals (2008, November 4). Retrieved October 20, 2010, from http://www.smartvoter.org/2008/11/04/ca/state/prop/2/

The Truth about Prop B (2010). Retrieved October 20, 2010, from http://www.thealliancefortruth.com/

Veterinarians and California’s Proposition 2: An Unprecedented Partnership (2008, November 5). Retrieved October 21, 2010, from http://www.hsvma.org/advocacy/news/veterinarians_and_proposition_2.html

Yes on Prop2.com Is Available (2008). Retrieved October 24, 2010, from http://www.ballotmeasuredomains.com/domains/yesonprop2com.aspx