To the Editor:
Public concern for the care of livestock has grown significantly in the past decade.  When consumers buy meat, milk and eggs at the grocery, they want to be sure the products they are buying came from animals treated with the utmost care.  Issue 2 is specifically designed to address these concerns, and for that reason, Ohioans should vote yes for it on November 3.

Animal welfare has always been a primary concern for Ohio’s livestock farmers.  The modern farmer utilizes science and technology to ensure the safety of the animal as well as the consumer.  However, powerful animal rights groups like the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) are seeking to sabotage animal agriculture by pushing unscientific legislation that would irreparably harm the livelihood of farmers and jeopardize the safety of America’s food supply.  HSUS has already found success in states like California, Florida and Michigan, and as a result, thousands of farmers in these states will inevitably go out of business.

While other states have succumbed to HSUS’ manipulation, Ohio is providing its citizens with a far better alternative.  By passing Issue 2, Ohio voters will create the Livestock Care Standards Board-a group of individuals representing farmers, veterinarians, consumers and local humane society members that will determine the proper standards for animal care.  Science and reason-not raw human emotion alone-will guide decisions on the proper handling of livestock.  Ohioans need a comprehensive, logical approach to animal care, and that is exactly what the Livestock Care Standards Board will provide.

The overwhelming majority of farmers do an excellent job taking care of their livestock.  Sadly, there are isolated exceptions, and the Livestock Care Standards Board will ensure that those who do mistreat their livestock are held responsible for their actions.  For generations, consumers have trusted Ohio farmers to provide them with safe and affordable food, and by passing issue 2, this trust can be fully redeemed.

Michele Specht
Dover, Ohio

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