Proposition 2 Pre Writing

Proposition 2
On November 4, 2008 California voters have many initiatives to vote on. One of which is Proposition 2 “Standards for Confining Farm Animals” it will have monumental effects on California’s agricultural industry, specifically the egg producers of California. Proposition 2 has many arguments in favor of the initiative as well as many arguments opposing the ballot initiative. Proposition 2 outlines how farm animals may be confined for production of agricultural products. Although this proposition does leave room for exceptions outlined in the Voter’s Information Guide “Exceptions made for transportation, rodeos, fairs, 4-H programs, lawful slaughter, research, and veterinary purposes.”
If Proposition 2 passes, beginning January 1, 2015 all pregnant sows (female pigs), veal calves, and egg laying hens must be housed in a manner in which they can turn around freely, extend their limbs completely, stand up, and lie down. This initiative mandates that punishment of a misdemeanor and fines up to $1,000 and/or six months in local county jail. There will be incurred fiscal effects if Proposition 2 passes, the egg industry of California will not continue to operate at its current efficiency, resulting in reduced state and local tax revenues. As well associated costs may be incurred with the enforcement and prosecution of the new initiative.
History:
Humane treatment of animals has been a mounting issue facing many in today’s society. Many regulations and mandates related to the health and well being of animals are currently in place. The California Department of Food and Agriculture has the entire code of ethics and regulations related to the humane treatment and care for animals posted on their website. One such current regulation is section 9166 which is in place to protect animals from coming into contact with lethal diseases and how to handle the sick animals to maintain biosecurity for other animals and most importantly humans. An issue that has been a problem for many farmers and ranchers over the past few decades has been maintaining adequate space for their agricultural operation.
Over 40 million animals are raised for agricultural purposes in California unaccompanied. California is the nations leading agricultural commodity producer, and if regarded to as a country single handedly California would rank seventh in the world agricultural commodities produced. Unfortunately with the great success and popular weather California is not only home to agriculturalists but many citizens as well. A growing interest in animal welfare and humane treatment practices has led to this new legislation.
A laying hens wing span can reach up to 28 inches if both wings are spread simultaneously, this constitutes for a 5.4 square foot cage needed to fulfill the new requirements if passed. The extra space needed would be extremely cumbersome to obtain for many small family operations. In California alone 80% of the prime soil for raising and growing agricultural commodities has been taken by urban sprawl. The issue of urban sprawl has made increasingly difficult for agriculturalists to remain in the industry. The result of this is frightening to consumers, the lack of inexpensive high quality food to put on the dinner table.
Recent Actions:
However, there has been no judicial or legislative action or ruling on this initiative, seeing how this November will be the first time it has been presented to the California voters for a decision. As opposed to the gay marriage act which has had many appearances with voters and court dealings. The “Standards for Confining Farm Animals Act” is new in many senses, never before have non agriculturalists made decisions for those persons in the agriculture industry who are professionals in their profession in which they make certain that the consumer gets a high quality safe food product for consumption.
Support for Proposition 2:
This November 4, Californians should vote YES! On Prop 2. Prop 2 is a modest measure that stops cruel and unusual treatment of animals, ending the practice of cramming farm animals into cages so severely small that the animals can't even turn around, lie down or extend their limbs. It’s simply wrong to confine veal calves, breeding pigs, and egg-laying hens in tiny cages barely larger than their bodies. Calves are tethered by the neck and can barely move, pigs in severe confinement bite the metal bars of their crates, and hens get trapped and even impaled in their wire cages. We wouldn’t force our pets to live in filthy, cramped cages for their whole lives, and we shouldn’t force farm animals to endure such misery. All animals, including those raised for food, deserve humane treatment. We all witnessed the cruel treatment of sick and crippled cows exposed by a Southern California slaughter plant investigation this year, prompting authorities to pull meat off school menus and initiate a nationwide recall. Factory farms put our health at risk—cramming tens of thousands of animals into tiny cages, fostering the spread of diseases that may affect people. YES! On Prop 2 is better for animals—and for us. California family farmers support YES! On Prop 2 because they know that better farming practices enhance food quality and safety. Increasingly, they’re supplying major retailers like Safeway and Burger King. Factory farms cut corners and drive family farmers out of business when they put profits ahead of animal welfare and our health. Some of the supporters of the initiative include the Humane Society, Dianne Feinstein, and the US Farm Workers.
One supporter of Proposition 2 is the National Humane Society in which they stated “We all witnessed the cruel treatment of sick and crippled cows exposed by a Chino slaughter plant investigation this year, prompting authorities to pull meat off school menus and initiate a nationwide recall. Factory farmers have put our health at risk by allowing these terrible abuses, and now are recklessly telling us its okay to keep animals in overcrowded, inhumane conditions. Cramming tens of thousands of animals into tiny cages fosters the spread of animal diseases that may affect people. Prop 2 is better for animals — and for us.”
“I believe the Prevention of Farm Animal Cruelty Act is a necessary step towards improving the conditions of farm animals raised in confined spaces. I also feel this proposition provides a fair period of time for farmers to transition their operations to more humane animal housing systems.” – US Senator Dianne Feinstein
The US Farm Workers Union had this to say about Proposition 2 “The founding principles of Prop 2 are the same as that of the Farm Worker Movement, built on the vision of Cesar Chavez. During his lifetime, he championed 'kindness and compassion toward all living things.' He said: 'we need, in a special way, to work twice as hard to help people understand that the animals are fellow creatures, that we must protect them and love them as we love ourselves.”

Opposition to Prop 2:
California egg farms have worked with highly respected animal scientists; have developed cutting edge egg production methods to ensure that basic components of sound animal care are provided to egg-laying hens: optimal feed, light, air, water, space and sanitation for egg-laying hens. By arbitrarily altering space configurations, Prop. 2 ignores how this change could negatively impact these other essential animal care components. The humane treatment of animals, including farm animals, is already mandated by California law. Enclosing animals without proper care and treatment is prohibited, and animals must have adequate room to “exercise” themselves. Modern housing systems for egg-laying hens are designed so hens can groom, lie down, stand, stretch, turn around and engage in other natural behaviors. In California, 98 percent of egg farms already adhere to the toughest, most complex food safety standards in the U.S. under the California Egg Quality Assurance Program (CEQAP). This program requires that California egg farms use the most modern, safe and practical egg farming techniques and standards. The United Egg Producers Certified Animal Welfare Program, established and maintained by an independent scientific advisory board, mandates certified U.S. egg farmers follow responsible; science based modern production methods in the care of their hens. Certified farmers must place top priority on the comfort, health and safety of hens and submit to independent USDA audits. Nearly all of California’s egg farmers are UEP-certified. Our food safety is already at risk, with infections, poisoning and even deaths from food borne Salmonella contamination. Dangerous Salmonella contamination can be transmitted through animal feces, including egg-laying hens’. Modern housing systems, banned under Proposition 2, are more sanitary because they effectively separate eggs from feces and other fluids. According to the California Department of Food and Agriculture, CEQAP standards have been credited with helping control egg-associated Salmonella enteritidis (SE) infections in California.
In nearly a decade, there has not been a reported case of SE linked to California eggs. However, 118,000 Americans become ill each year from SE-contaminated eggs coming from other states, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Out-of-state and foreign egg producers, such as Mexico, do not have the same high food-safety standards as California. Modern housing systems were developed to protect egg-laying hens from direct contact with migratory and wild birds, which can carry life threatening Avian Influenza (Bird Flu), Exotic Newcastle Disease and other diseases that can be deadly to humans or hens. According to the World Health Organization, transmission of Bird Flu from poultry to humans results in “very serious disease” and “could mark the start of a global outbreak (a pandemic).” Proposition 2 wipes out almost all modern egg production in California, despite the U.S. Animal Health Association’s assertion that moving flocks inside has “contributed significantly to the improvement in health of the nation’s chicken and turkey flocks.” Wide-sweeping and onerous, Proposition 2 effectively bans all egg production in California and will drive the state’s egg industry out of business. California consumers will have virtually no options to purchase or consume locally-produced, fresh eggs, as Prop. 2 bans almost all modern egg production in the state, making it economically infeasible for California farmers to compete against foreign production. Californians will be forced to rely on imported eggs, trucked in from out of state and Mexico, where food safety standards are not as high. Agriculture is California’s #1 industry. Proposition 2 wipes out an entire segment of that industry, as egg production costs will rise by an estimated 76 percent under the measure. Proposition 2 will significantly increase – and nearly double – the price of locally-produced California eggs, forcing consumers to pay higher prices for eggs at a time when Californians are already experiencing sky-rocketing prices for groceries, gasoline and other basic living expenses. California will lose thousands of jobs and $615 million in economic activity, and millions more in lost state and local tax revenues.