Animal Rights vs. Animal Welfare
The debate looms on in our public and in our legislatures. What rights do animals have? This debate is gaining even more popularity lately with some legislation that is on the ballot in Ohio. Voters in Ohio have a chance to decide whether or not to create a farm board of sorts that would set standards for the care and management of livestock and food production in Ohio. This board would consist of farmers, veterinarians, animal rights people, and educators just to name a few.
So why this board? What would make farmers want to involve the government in making decisions that affect their management? Recently, California voters passed a ballot measure that will no longer allow farmers to keep chickens in cages and sows can no longer be kept in farrowing crates.
Read the following two articles and post a reply to these articles. How do you think Proposition 2 will affect agriculture in California? What about the United States? How will it affect the economy?
What is your opinion of Issue 2 in Ohio? Will this program be a good thing or a bad thing for Ohio agriculture? Why?
Your reply should be descriptive and well thought out.
California Proposition 2 website article http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/24/us/24egg.html
Ohio Issue 2 website article http://www.cattlenetwork.com/Animal-Welfare–Why-All-The-Fuss-Over-Issue-2/2009-10-28/Article.aspx?oid=929867
