New Poll Shows California Proposition 2 on Treatment of Farm Animals Leading 72% to 10%

I really wish more Californians thought things through instead of just voted with knee jerk emotions. I really like having locally produced farm goods in local markets because it's good for the environment, it's good for the local economy, it helps keep farms in business instead of becoming new strip malls, plus I'm a big supporter of buying local and thinking global. We all like animals and want them treated humanely and the truth is current methods are humane even though the wacko "animal liberation" groups who support prop 2 claim other wise.

The truth is California's products must compete against goods from around the world and increasing costs 76% (as the UC Davis study details) WILL result in local farm businesses going out of business or leaving the state. That's not good for our rural areas and it's not good for the health of people or animals.

Thanks for posting this terrific news!

Luckily Californians are smart and compassionate enough to see past the misleading economic hype to doing the right thing for farm animals as well as seeing the benefits of better human health and an improved environment.

Also, I have worked on Proposition 2 for many months and let me tell you - the group of volunteers are some of the nicest, most grounded decent people I've ever met, which is why they are giving their time and money to support something they believe in, and why there are thousands of us.

We have thought things through, and we're voting Yes on 2!

The text of the act is so simple. Animals should be able to turn around, sit down, stand up, and stretch their limbs. Is that too much to ask?

I am voting YES ON PROP 2 because it addresses huge inadequacies in animal welfare, public health and environmental safeguards. In the long-run, I also think Prop 2 will help California's economy by branding the state as a source of QUALITY products.

The egg industry has estimated that it would cost less than a penny an egg to implement the reforms stipulated by Prop. 2. I think consumers will be glad to pay this small premium for a kinder, cleaner, safer product.

In the same way California became a leader in premium almonds, citrus and avocados, we could become a leader in premium eggs. Plus, it is just plain wrong to stuff hens in tiny, dark, filthy cages. Every animal, even farm animals, deserve space to move around.

VOTE YES ON PROP 2

The huge agricultural industries balk how much money it will cost them to implement the changes (which will not take effect until 2015!) for millions of "food" animals should Prop 2 pass.

Yet, this industry (a handful of companies, most of them are not even residing in the state of California) is pouring millions of dollars to defeat Prop 2. How ironic and sad!

Yes on Proposition 2.

Thank you for this honest and straightforward summary of Prop 2. I'm from the East Coast and wholeheartedly support it - I sincerely hope it passes in CA and sets a precedent for the nation! Long overdue - KUDOS to all who helped get it on the ballot!

My nine year old niece told me during signature gathering that I should just explain to people that her teacher told her that she needs to exercise because it makes her healthier and that the chickens need to be able to spread their wings to make their eggs better and healthier to eat. I repeated that and now not only are we on the ballot, 20 million animals will be spreading their wings and saying, "THANK YOU!"

Take a look at those whom oppose Prop 2. Enough said.

Let's wake up people. Prop 2 is only going to force companies and jobs out of CA to seek business as usual in another state. It is already hard enough for most companies to stay in CA, now you want to push out agriculture. In the midst of a potential new depression era, you people want to spend money to promote and push animal rights. If you really care why don't all of you just raise your own chickens and leave the rest of us with a viable food source that is within a reasonable budget. Personally, I like spending only $3 per dozen on eggs, this will make them $10 and quite frankly, some people are just not going to afford that.

Karen, if the eggs cost $10 a dozen following the passage of Prop. 2, it will only be a result of the greed of the industry. Even the egg industry's own economic studies indicate the price of an individual egg will only increase less than 1 cent, 1 penny! Where do you people who oppose this proposition get your incorrect information?

I'm glad we're shutting down all those farms. California doesn't need the taxes, and all that water can be used for other purposes, like pouring it out into the Pacific.

How do you all feel about your veterinarian? Do you trust them with the life of your pet? If the answer is yes, then maybe you should look at the AVMA, American Veterinarian Medical Association, website and look at their view on the issue. Directly from their press release, "The AVMA believes Proposition 2, 'Standards for Confining Farm Animals,' is admirable in its goal to improve the welfare of production farm animals; however, it ignores critical aspects of animal welfare that ultimately would threaten the well-being of the very animals it strives to protect."
Take it from well-educated professionals, they know what it takes to protect animals.

If commercial egg producers move out of state - and they will, if Prop 2 passes - where will the protein-rich eggs Californians need come from? What happens to the restaurant industry? The dessert industry? School cafeterias? What happens to those thousands of people who lose their jobs?

Do you supporters not care that H$U$ - a vegan organization dedicated to eliminating *all* meat, egg and dairy consumption by humanity - filed suit against the USDA, egg farmers and UCDavis to keep them from opposing Prop 2? Does it not frighten you even a bit that a massively wealthy organization is spending $$millions to keep educators, business and even the government from presenting BOTH sides of the issue?

Look at the list of who supports and who opposes Prop 2 in the official CA voter's guide that will come in the mail. Opponents are respected educators and office holders who know about animal husbandry. Supporters are, well, people who don't raise animals.

NO on Proposition 2

For those who think that eggs will be $10 a dozen, that's crazy. I already buy free range eggs and they're not that much more than tortured chicken eggs. If you really want cheap eggs, buy a chicken, let it run around your back yard and provide a nice nesting area, and gather her eggs. You will find that chickens make great pets and can be trained! Much better than eating eggs from maltreated birds. Shame on greedy industry!

Hey Bill, the "well-educated professionals" of the California Veterinary Medical Association have chosen to support Propostion 2!

“The decision (to support Prop. 2) was not based on science or on the recommendations from the people within CVMA who specialize in food animal and poultry medicine,” said Mike Karle, DVM, President, Association of California Veterinarians. “The experts who specialize in the veterinary care of egg-laying hens – avian scientists, poultry veterinarians and other food animal veterinarians – overwhelmingly oppose Proposition 2 as it is harmful for hen and human health alike. In addition, the state’s top food safety and public health experts oppose Proposition 2.”

This is a typical case of an emotional knee jerk that results in a bad law. I am for animal rights, but the farmers are doing no wrong. If it bothers you as a consumer that hens are living their lives in cages, then buy free range eggs - let the demand decide the results. To make a LAW that forces people to change the way they conduct business which are legal, approved and pose no harm to the animals, is a brutal government intervention that will result in the government taking charge of the cost of eggs. Obviously, CA egg farmers will demand subsidies, and who pays - us. Let the economic forces do their work.

im voting yes on prop 2

got a problem with it...
stick it up you A$$

The idea this is only supported by the Vegan HSUS type is ludacirs! My father is a hunter and like so many who don't make money of the backs of animals agree all animals deserve a humane existance, not a life tied down, caged up, to make some shlub more money.. I'm passing out and posting over 3000 flyers, why, cause I care about animals and environment and want a landslide vote! 90% in favor to 10% opposed, could happen!!

I just look to who supports it and who opposes it:

A broad coalition of organizations supports Prop. 2, including the Humane Society of the United States, Consumer Federation of America, California Veterinary Medical Association, Center for Food Safety, Sierra Club, United Farm Workers, Organic Consumers Association, Farm Sanctuary, California family farmers, Union of Concerned Scientists, The prestigious PEW Commission, and other consumer protection, environmental, and animal welfare organizations.

The opposition, masquerading under the deceptively named Californians for Safe Foods, is funded largely by out of state factory farms, notorious for animal cruelty. The largest donor was cited for dumping animal wasted into a river in Ohio, killing 49,000 fish, while another major donor was videotaped by a neighbor throwing live birds into trash bins.

YES ON PROP 2!

Proposition 2 goes beyond chickens--I'm surprised there hasn't been much talk about the abuses of pigs, calves and other farm animals supported by argibusiness/factory farms.

Factory farms are notorious for treating peaceful animals as robotic commodities. It's time for more ethical treatment of animals. Animals raised for food are giving people something, the least we can do is give them a decent, clean existence.

YEs on Prop 2 ! www.goveg.com

Proposition 2 goes beyond chickens--I'm surprised there hasn't been much talk about the abuses of pigs, calves and other farm animals supported by argibusiness/factory farms.

Factory farms are notorious for treating peaceful animals as robotic commodities. It's time for more ethical treatment of animals. Animals raised for food are giving people something, the least we can do is give them a decent, clean existence.

YEs on Prop 2 ! www.goveg.com

Proposition 2 is a no brainer. Confinement such as Gestation crates and Battery cages are pure torture. How anyone could thing otherwise is mind blowing. I take my hat off to California for posing this proposition and hopefully multiple other states will follow this lead. Please vote yes for proposition 2, simply because it IS THE RIGHT THING TO DO!

UC Davis is right. Prop 2 will put 95% of the egg producers in California out of business and then all of our fresh local eggs will be gone and instead stores will be stocked with cheaper eggs from out of state or from Mexico. This won't help any animals and will just put farmers out of business.

The news story on the link below shows what goes on at factory farms. Anyone who can justify the way these animals are treated does not deserve to be called a human being. I applaud California for tackling this issue and I hope more states will follow. Before factory farms came along, eggs were never $10/dozen, so that's a ridiculous, uneducated argument being pushed by those who believe the factory farming industry's propaganda. http://www.americanchronicle.com/articles/78028

Most of the Big Agribusiness money pouring into California to oppose Prop 2 comes from out of state egg producers. Why would they pump money into this if they were only to gain market share should Prop 2 pass? My answer: Because they fear a wave of reforms, not because Prop 2 will put egg growers here out of business.

Proposition 2 is a measure that prohibits the on-farm confinement of calves raised for veal, pregnant pigs, and egg-laying hens in a manner that does not allow said animals to exhibit a natural range of motion, that is, allows them to lie down, stand up, turn around freely, and be able to fully extend their limbs. The new mandates won’t take effect until January 1, 2015. Certain exceptions are made for veterinary, transportation and lawful slaughter purposes.
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It's unconsciable that anyone would oppose this proposition. The people who oppose it can't acknowledge the connection between our bodies, pig's bodies and the living body of earth.. and LOOK AT WHERE THAT ATTITUDE HAS GOTTEN US! Even with this measure, pigs and chickens lives on factory farms are miserable, but this is a beginning of a growing awareness. I look forward to the day when more people realize how good it feels on so many levels to be free. Go vegan or vegetarian (or as close as you can get) and feel good physically, morally and spiritually.

Eggs were never 10$ a dozen because there has never been this many people on the earth before. With California's population going from 19,971,071 in the 1970's to 36,553,215 in 2007 the demand for food is growing at a rapid rate. The area in California for agriculture isn't growing but shrinking. And if you all honestly believe these free range chicken farms can soley provide for California then none of you have any idea what you are talking about. All of these chickens are going to be taken out of state, or sold for meat. So you vegan animal lovers haven't changed a thing. And the price of your precious free range will probably not go up to ten dollars, because most people will be buying eggs from out of state or Mexico. Because no matter how many people moan and groan over animal rights when it comes down to the all mighty dollar none of you are going to fork out the money to buy an expensive free range egg.

AVMA issues statement on California Proposition 2

SCHAUMBURG, Ill.
— The largest and most respected veterinary association in the United States is cautioning that the California ballot initiative, Proposition 2, while admirable in its attempt to address the behavioral needs of animals, contains livestock confinement standards that may hurt the animals they are intended to help.

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) issued a statement (PDF) today, which, in part, reads: "The AVMA believes Proposition 2, 'Standards for Confining Farm Animals,' is admirable in its goal to improve the welfare of production farm animals; however, it ignores critical aspects of animal welfare that ultimately would threaten the well-being of the very animals it strives to protect."

"Proposition 2 may have negative impacts on animals, consumers and the industry if it's passed," explains Dr. David McCrystle, AVMA Executive Board chair. "We fully agree that more attention needs to be paid to the behavioral and social needs of food animals, and Proposition 2 is laudable in that it attempts to address these needs, but the standards in this ballot initiative fall short in improving animal welfare because they fail to adequately consider other factors. Animal welfare is a complex issue and demands that decisions be based on science, tempered with compassion, and take into account all aspects of welfare. Changing housing standards without consideration of how this may affect other aspects of animal welfare, such as protection from disease and injury, will not be in the animals' or society's best interest."

Of all the creatures, man is the most detestable. Of the entire brood, he is the only one that possesses malice. He is the only creature that inflicts pain for sport, knowing it to be pain. The fact that man knows right from wrong proves his intellectual superiority to the other creatures; but the fact that he can do wrong proves his moral inferiority to any creature that cannot.- Mark Twain

I think all those who oppose prop 2 should read this and think about it awhile. I am voting yes on prop 2. Those who choose to vote no should look deep inside themselves and try to find out why they think they have the right to be cruel and why they would ever think they could be even a little superior to these animals who have never done anything wrong to anyone and even if they were given the opportunity still would not. I hope those who are voting yes don't have pets because if they do I really feel sorry for those animals.

I posted the previous comment not "only wanting the best for animals" we can read his or her statement and see what they think. whatever. I bet those who oppose this are also voting yes on 8. I mean why not, right. We may as well strip every living being of their rights. That way we can be even more proud of how cruel we are in California. I mean we want to keep up with all the other gun toting republican redneck states right. That just pisses me off. Whatever. Kudos to all that like me support prop 2.

The argument that California farms will have to move to Mexico is a myth. This is another scare tactic used by corrupt agribusiness to mislead the public.

"When asked about this allegation, even Dan Sumner, the author of an anti-Prop 2 report, conceded,'I personally think that's unlikely...Mexico doesn't produce much feed corn and that's why Mexico isn't a logical place for production.'"

Doing a little research on the facts will show you that voting YES on Prop 2 is the right thing to do for farm animals, food safety, and for the environment.

www.yesonprop2.com

It is so awesome that people who know nothing about agriculture,or haven't been to or seen an actual farm or farm animal in their life. Are able to tell farmers how to farm. California loves to implement laws that affect businesses that the general population have no other information on except what biased liberal propaganda they see on TV. Why don't we let the Farmers Farm!!!

For John who likes "locally produced farm goods" -- I am a professional food writer and I can tell you that local, small purveyors are some of the most humane around. Put your money where your mouth is and shop at a farmer's market -- it's more expensive but worth it -- better taste, more humane. This proposition is supported by my magazine, Northside San Francisco, and it only affects horrible factory farmers, like the ones recently discovered torturing pigs in L.A. (slamming piglets to the ground and shoving sticks up the anuses of sows). If you support this kind of business it is you who is the true pig.

I am from out of state but have donated twice so far to support CA's Prop 2. To those of you who claim that current factory farming methods adequately protect farm animals - you haven't done your homework. Have you seen the videos and photos of the conditions under which battery-caged hens, gestating pigs and veal calves spend most or all of their lives? Even without the sadism that these practices are conducive to -captive animals with no protection or recourse - conditions such as the tiny amount of space in which they are confined are far worse than a person living their entire lives in a tiny jail cell. At least that person can turn around, stretch, lie down and even walk a bit. For those farmers practicing humane treatment already, this law should impose no further expense or requirements from them. Also, to the commenter about free-range chickens - Prop2 does not even come close to requiring such practices. BTW, many small farmers support Prop2 - it is the big corporations that would be most affected.

What most people do not realize is that the AVMA derives most of its authority from the people whose interest lies in preserving the status quo and factory farming. Think about it: the more animals you can cram into a space, the more $$ the vet makes. The typical stance of the AVMA reflects this bias. Look at their record on past issues - they are usually the LAST (yes, LAST) to support issues that address animal welfare, some of which are now standard. A better guide is to look at the stance of the California Veterinary Medical Association, which supports Prop 2. Or ask your dog and cat's vet. Chances are, the AVMA doesn't represent their views, either.
AVMA's view is akin to saying we shouldn't let children go outside because they might fall down and get a cut or break a bone. Skinner box, anyone?

haha good job california, youre about to pass a JOKE of a proposition. This proposition is so rediculous it shouldnt even be on the ballet. I hope you realize when you are paying rediculous ammounts of money for food because no corporations want to stay in california and small businesses cant survive what a mistake you made. I hope you feel better eating that animal that was kept oh so comfortably before being SLAUGHTERED, but at least it had its rights while it lived right? I hope you thank yourselves when your meat is actually MORE prone to disease because of the new ways they are going to have to keep the animals. Anyone i talk to thinks prop 2 is a joke, and funny thing, i live in the valley, where farming ACTUALLY OCCURS! im glad city livin' IDIOTS are making the choices for those of us that actually matter in the food production of california. But hey, that cow probably needs a hug to go along with all those rights shes about to get right before shes SHOT IN THE HEAD

"You can judge a society by the way it treats its animals." Prop 2 is a no brainer. I have faith that the people of CA will do the right thing tomorrow.

Hey Kate I hope you and people like you are put out of business because you deserve it, the family farmers will profit from this because they already know how to treat animals humanely. You and your corporate knuckleheads can leave anytime. Bye.

I think that there are many uneducated and misled individuals supporting this propostion. The passing of this will result in price increases as well as increasing the likely hood of disease and increased unsanitary condtions for the animals that they think they are helping. Listen to the DVM's and the people who have done the science. These animals groups portray negatives to individuals that don't know any better.

How people can't see the dangers and/or disregard the cruelty to these innocent animals with confined quarters is mind boggling to me. Makes me embarrassed to be a human being. People think that if they are given more space it will increase disease? Lets cram 100 people in a tiny room piled on top of each other and see how sanitary it remains. Think people. Or maybe that's the cop-out excuse to save a few cents. I don't care if the costs are handed to the consumer. I am More than happy to pay extra for humane treatment and for healthy food intake. It's the Absolute Least we can do for these poor animals who have NO choice or voice. Would you do that to your children or pets or yourself? Disgusting

Whoever posted the first comment - You're an idiot. Most smaller, local farms already abide by the provisions of prop. 2 and won't be affected by this proposition passing. What "wacko" animal liberation groups are you talking about - The Humane Society - hardly a radical group.

Hey Nick, I live in the valley and "YOUR THE JOKE". Your comments show you for the "FOOL" you are!!
By the way, prop 2 passed by a landslide...ha ha

any of you who think that animals ESPECIALLY in factory farms- are treated humanely-- are gigantic FOOLS. Go read some fucking books that actually TALK ABOUT what goes on in there, look at the pictures, read the facts and THEN try to tell me that the animals are treated "humanely" Factory farm animals are treated ANYTHING BUT humanely..... it's pretty damn humane to stick salt rind in a live pigs nose and butthole and watch it run around and suffer in excruciating pain... it's REAL humane to electrocute cows by sticking metal rods in their vaginas. Nice.

The idea that some people think business making money is more important than torturing animals is mind-boggling to me. Just shows how selfish and insensitive some people can be. But it's water under the bridge now since Proposition 2 passed with flying colors!!! Suck my balls you sadistic factory farms!!!

What the animals rights people arent calculating in the price rise of eggs is the fact that even chickens eat eggs. If you stick 30k hens in a 60k foot building 1 hen will lay a egg and most likely turn around and eat what it views as compatition. meaing the price of eggs could actually double since only half as many would make it to the store shelf. The farmer still paid for supplies for the same amount of eggs and only got half as many as normal. I do agree chickens should have room to move, but at the same time to much movement will kill californias egg industry. Not to mention the cages arent just there to keep the chicken in. alot of times the cages are there to keep other animals out. There isnt a easy choice here. Face the facts this will cause people to lose jobs. And shipping eggs from somewhere else will cost more money. both sides need to meet somewhere in the middle. So chickens get some more room. But it doesnt come at the cost of the farming industry in california.

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