Ohio Governor Ted Strickland stated, "This agreement represents a joint effort to find common ground" and it "is something that is good for Ohio agriculture and will be good for animal welfare in our state."
The agreement, available here, has ten parts which include that "HSUS will work with the Ohio Livestock Care Standards Board [OLCSB] and has received some concessions from the animal agriculture industry in exchange" as reported by AgWired. Some of those concessions include "a ban on veal crates by 2017; a ban on new gestation crates in the state after Dec. 31, 2010 and a 15 year phase out period; and a moratorium on permits for new battery cage confinement facilities for laying hens. The agreement also includes restrictions on cockfighting, 'puppy mills' and exotic animals."
Additionally, HSUS and OLCSB agreed to "examine and jointly fund independent research projects and studies to identify best practices and to work for the highest farm animal care and welfare standards."
If all parties consent to extensions and comply, the agreement would last until January 1, 2020.
To watch the press conference, click here.
To read The Columbus Dispatch story, click here.
To read the AgWired story, click here.
Posted: 07/1/2010
