The AVMA has expressed concerns regarding the consequences of passing Proposition 2, a California ballot initiative sponsored by a coalition of animal protection groups requiring that egg-laying hens, veal calves, and pregnant sows have room enough to lie down, stand, turn around, and fully extend their limbs, effective 2015.
The ballot initiative, Standards for Confining Farm Animals, is supported by the California VMA. The AVMA, while calling the initiative "admirable in its goal to improve the welfare of production farm animals," is concerned that passage may result in unintended negative consequences to animal welfare. CVMA support for the initiative has resulted in the formation of the Association of California Veterinarians composed of CVMA members who disagree with their association’s support.
The AVMA notes that "the best housing environments take into consideration all relevant factors, including: freedom of movement; expression of normal behaviors; protection from disease, injury, and predators; adequate food and water; and proper handling. Proposition 2 would clearly provide greater freedom of movement, but would likely compromise several of the other factors necessary to ensure the overall welfare of the animals, especially with regard to protection from disease and injury."
[Ed. Note: This initiative is a little different than the ones we’ve seen in other states. Besides the obvious welfare concerns prompted by this type of legislation, this Proposition goes a step further by granting police powers to organizations and individuals to enforce animal cruelty and welfare laws. California penal code provides that an individual, who can represent a non-profit organization, can compel issuance of search warrants upon making a complaint under oath. This means that if this initiative should pass, individuals representing animal rights groups like PeTA and HSUS could have the authority to enter and search California farm buildings and arrest producers for suspected violations of animal welfare laws.
A coalition of agricultural and food interests in California have formed " Californians for SAFE Food" to educate Californians on the initiative and urge them to vote no on the measure.]
Sources:
AVMA Press Release, August 26, 2008
Feedstuffs, July 18, 2008