Support for California Anti-Cruelty Initiative Snowballs |
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July 3, 2008
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©The HSUS |
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Calves raised for veal are tightly confined in crates. Proposition 2 would stop this kind of cruelty in California. |
Support for the California Prevention of Farm Animal Cruelty Act has mushroomed since more than 800,000 voters endorsed the anti-cruelty ballot initiative this spring.
Leading the pack of backers is U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., The California Democratic Party and San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom. Cities from Los Angeles to Davis; groups like the Center for Food Safety, Center for Science in the Public Interest, Consumer Federation of America, The California Veterinary Medical Association and Sierra Club-California, and more than 450 California veterinarians, 150 California veterinary students and numerous religious leaders are on board, too.
It's no wonder so many are endorsing it. The landmark initiative, which will appear as Proposition 2 on Californians' November ballots, will protect animals crammed into tiny cages and crates on factory farms. It will ensure that millions of farm animals in the state are simply able to turn around and extend their limbs.
A Modest But Important Measure
When approved in November, Prop 2 will phase out three of the worst factory farm abuses: veal crates for calves, battery cages for egg-laying hens and gestation crates for breeding pigs.
Major retailers like Burger King are demanding products from farmers who do not confine animals in tiny cages. The egg industry's own California-based economist reports that producing cage-free eggs costs less than one penny per egg more.
Similar ballot measures have been overwhelmingly approved by voters in Arizona and Florida. Legislators have also passed laws to phase out gestation crates (in Oregon) and veal and gestation crates (in Colorado).
What You Can Do
Even if you don't live in California, we need your help! Here's what you can do.
1. People across the country are helping this critical effort by joining the 20/20 Campaign—giving just $20 (or more!) to help these 20 million animals who are depending on us. Click here to donate.
2. On July 27, join a "Vote Yes for Farm Animals" house party to generate support for Prop 2—and encourage your friends and family to join in on the fun!
3. Help spread the word and show your support by joining our Cause on Facebook and MySpace and adding a banner to your profile. Be sure to invite your friends to join too!
4. California residents can register to vote here.
Related Links
2008 Ballot Initiatives: Voters Speak Up for Animals
A California Educator Puts Farm Animals on the Ballot One Signature at a Time
