Snowballing Support for California Anti-Cruelty Initiative |
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July 31, 2008
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©The USDA |
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Gestation crates are one form of animal abuse that Prop 2 aims to phase out in California. |
In November, California voters will cast their ballots on a landmark initiative to protect animals crammed into tiny cages and crates on factory farms.
Proposition 2—the Prevention of Farm Animal Cruelty Act—will ensure that certain farm animals in the state are simply able to turn around and extend their limbs.
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.
Hundreds of Endorsements
Nearly 800,000 voters signed petitions in support of placing the initiative on November's ballot. The California Democratic Party endorsed, as have Senator Dianne Feinstein, San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom, and cities from Los Angeles to Davis. Groups like Center for Food Safety, Center for Science in the Public Interest, and Sierra Club-California have endorsed.
Nearly 400 California veterinarians, nearly 150 California veterinary students, the California Veterinary Medical Association and numerous religious leaders are on board, too.
Similar ballot measures have been overwhelmingly approved by voters in Arizona and Florida. Legislators in Colorado and Oregon have also passed laws to phase out veal and gestation crates.
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 the 20 million animals who are depending on us. Click here to donate.
2. 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!
3. California residents can vote YES on Prop 2 this November 4. Register to vote here.
Related Links
'No Battery Eggs' Campaign Exposes the Hard-Boiled Truth about Laying Hens
Think Outside the Crate Campaign
California Democratic Party, U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein Endorse State Anti-Cruelty Ballot Measure
Californians for Humane Farms Calls Economic Study Classic Bait and Switch – Californians Can Afford to Treat Animals Humanely
Federal Government Documents Show Illegal American Egg Board Interference with California Anti-Cruelty Ballot Initiative
The Humane Society of the U.S. Welcomes Prestigious Pew Commission Recommendation to Phase Out Extreme Confinement of Farm Animals
Anti-Cruelty Measure Certified for California's November Ballot
American Egg Board Faces Lawsuit Over Illegal Political Expenditures in Opposition To California Anti-Cruelty Initiative
Nearly 800,000 Signatures Turned in to Qualify Anti-Cruelty Measure for November Ballot
Episcopal Bishop Marc Andrus Supports California Ballot Initiative to Improve Lives of Factory-Farmed Animals
