Important information on Ohio Issue 2

VOTE NO onOhio Issue 2 Issue 2 is a PROPOSED CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT TO CREATE THE OHIO LIVESTOCK CARE STANDARDS BOARD TO ESTABLISH AND IMPLEMENT STANDARDS OF CARE FOR LIVESTOCK AND POULTRY.  This issue is NOT a good thing for animals as it would seem.  With Issue 2, agribusiness interests are attempting to thwart The Humane Society of the United States efforts to stop the most inhumane and unacceptable confinement practices on factory farms in Ohio. In Ohio, tens of millions of egg-laying hens, veal calves, and breeding pigs are confined in crates and cages where they can barely move an inch, many of them unable to even turn around or stretch their limbs. Six other states have passed laws to address this type of extreme confinement, but Ohio is lagging behind.  HSUS’s goal to stop these inhumane practices has caused a fear response that is Issue 2.   The Livestock Care Standards Board, once cemented into the state constitution, would have the power to override any act by the Ohio Department of Agriculture or the state legislature, or any other initiative or referendum brought before the Ohio public other than an additional constitutional amendment.  Currently, animal agriculture is regulated by the Ohio Department of Agriculture, which makes rules through a formal process that requires public input.  This is not true for the Board.  Issue 2 establishes a board that would make decisions independent of public input, with no ability to appeal the decision. The Board’s decision is final. Please join the many organizations that are opposing issue 2, including the Ohio Farmer’s Union.  Show your respect and love for animals on November 3^rd by voting NO in issue 2!  For more information, please visit www.hsus.org and www.ohioact.org.