by Gene
For decades, the factory farming industry has wielded undue influence over the legislative process in Washington, D.C. and in states across the U.S. As a result, laws have been enacted to codify agribusiness cruelty, and to absolve the meat, dairy and egg industries from basic humane requirements. Billions of chickens, pigs, turkeys, cows and other “food” animals are being exploited by agribusiness and treated like unfeeling commodities rather than as living feeling animals. Millions are packed into cages and crates so tightly that they can’t walk, turn around or stretch their limbs, and they can live this way for years.
Beginning with a grassroots effort in Florida in 2002, citizens have sought to challenge factory farming through voter initiatives. Caring citizens take to the streets to collect signatures and qualify initiatives for the ballot. So far, Florida, Arizona and California have voted on measures to require that farm animals have at least enough space to turn around and stretch their limbs, and each resoundingly approved. Farm Sanctuary has worked extensively with our members on these initiatives, and their success has spurred other states to begin enacting legislation to limit the inhumane confinement of farm animals.
Of all the farm animals who are confined in restrictive conditions where they cannot even extend their limbs, egg-laying hens exploited by the egg industry comprise the greatest number. Approximately 280 million hens live in battery cages, small wire enclosures that are lined up in rows, stacked in tiers in huge factory warehouses. Each bird is given less space than an 8 ½ by 11 inch sheet of paper. They can barely move and are unable to engage in basic natural behaviors, and they suffer both physical and psychological disorders as a result.
Following in the footsteps of Florida, Arizona and California, we have joined with HSUS and citizens in Washington state to launch an initiative effort to prevent cruelty. We have submitted language and will soon begin collecting signatures to qualify a measure for the ballot that will outlaw battery cages and lessen the suffering of more than 6 million hens who are currently packed in these inhumane enclosures on egg farms in Washington state. As this initiative takes off, we will keep you posted on developing events and how you can get involved.
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