On Wednesday, a bill that seeks to create a Livestock Care Standards Commission, similar to what exists in Ohio, passed the House in the Kentucky Legislature. The commission is an attempt to prevent animal rights organizations like the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) from setting livestock care rules "that industry officials said could hurt agricultural business interests," writes Gregory A. Hall in the Louisville Courier-Journal.
The bill, Senate Bill 105, has the support of the Kentucky Farm Bureau. The legislation passed the House 89-8. The bill was changed to require one member of commission be comprised of a certified organic farmer. The Senate needs to approve of this change before the bill can go to the governor's desk to be signed. Governor Steve Beshear released a statement from his office that says, '"I support the general concepts of the legislation but we'll need to review any changes in the bill before making a final decision."'
Bills like this are gaining steam in livestock producing states as a way to preempt the HSUS from implementing stricter standards for livestock care--requiring animals be able to stand, stretch their limbs, lie down, and turn around. California is a prime example of where the HSUS used a ballot initiative to implement the above livestock care standards.
When Ohio implemented their law in this area, they structured the legislation in such a way that other states could use it as a template. It appears Kentucky the legislature is set to follow the pattern.
To read the Hall article, click here.
Posted: 03/25/10
