To the Editor,
This past November, nearly two thirds of Ohio voters approved State Issue 2, effectively creating the Livestock Care Standards Board. The agricultural community would like to thank Ohioans for their open-minded, responsible and reasonable approach to animal care in Ohio. Three months later—before enabling legislation on the board has even been passed—out-of-state activists have begun their efforts to undo Ohioans’ overwhelming support of Issue 2.
The Ohio Ballot Board recently certified the ballot language brought forth by the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), a Washington, D.C.–based animal rights lobbying organization. Their ballot initiative would force the Livestock Care Standards Board to adopt HSUS policy. These out-of-state activists are essentially saying that they – not Ohioans—should be in control of animal care issues in the Buckeye State.
HSUS’s actions are not unexpected. On election night last November, HSUS President Wayne Pacelle announced his intent to overturn the will of Ohio voters. With the ballot language approved, HSUS has begun using paid signature gatherers to get their petition placed on the November ballot. Ohioans should take time to understand the true motives of the Humane Society of the United States before signing a petition or giving them money.
Despite its name, the Humane Society of the United States has no affiliation with any local humane society. The millions of dollars raised by HSUS every year are not used for the care of dogs and cats, but for extensive lobbying efforts specifically designed to make meat, milk and eggs unaffordable for the average household. HSUS isn’t just a threat to animal agriculture—they also routinely target hunters and pet breeders with their legislation.
Both major political parties have already condemned HSUS’s planned ballot initiative. Ohio Democratic Party Chairman Chris Redfern has said that HSUS is “clearly out of touch with Ohioans,” and Ohio GOP Chairman Kevin DeWine agreed, saying “We don’t need extreme out-of-state groups coming into Ohio.” Gubernatorial candidates John Kasich and Gov. Ted Strickland have also voiced staunch opposition to HSUS’s plans.
Once it is operational, the Livestock Care Standards Board will make well-informed decisions about farm animal care. The board is expected to be up and running by this spring. In this early stage, the last thing the board needs is to be hijacked by a group of animal rights activists.
Please continue to support the farmers who provide you with a safe, affordable food supply and take excellent care of their animals. Let the Livestock Care Standards Board do its job.
Michele Specht
Farm Bureau
New Philadelphia, OH
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