In an October 2011 hearing, the MA judiciary committee heard several animal-related bills. As you may remember from a previous article, the MA Prevention of Farm Animal Cruelty (H458/S786) was among those bills. Need a refresher? This bill seeks to prohibit the confinement of various farm animals in a manner which doesn't allow them to stand up, turn around freely, or lie down. This bill would put an end to two of the most well-known industrialized factory farm abuses: gestation crates for breeding pigs, as well as veal crates.
While the chairs of the committee demonstrated their support of the bill, they have not yet released it. Months have now passed since the hearing and time is running out. If this bill is not released by March, it is likely that it won’t pass this session.
What to do?
If you haven’t already, meet with your legislator. Don’t have time to set up a meeting? Try writing a Letter to the Editor or spend a little more time on an Opinion Editorial. Here are some LTE tips and Op Ed tips. Good luck!
Here is a personal LTE sample that I plan to send to local newspapers:
"How would you answer if I asked whether or not animals should be allowed to stand up, lie down, and turn around on their own accord? Think of your answer. Now look at the statistics. 89 percent of MA voters polled said they would support legislation to prohibit intensive confinement systems for farm animals. Well voters, now is your chance to show your support. The Massachusetts Prevention of Farm Animal Cruelty Act (H458/S786) seeks to prevent this cruelty in the Commonwealth. If passed, it would prohibit two of the most infamous factory farm abuses: veal crates for calves and gestation crates for pregnant pigs.
There is overwhelming support for farm animal welfare in Massachusetts, and Brookline has been a leader on this front. In a 2010 town meeting vote of 163-4, our Norfolk county town passed a veal ban resolution asking food vendors to stop selling or serving crated veal.
As a writer myself, I have truly been able to see not only how popular, but important animal protection issues are to the public. Animals have the ability to feel pain and fear, just as humans do. Under our care, they should be able to stand up, lie down, and turn around freely This bill is a modest reform that asks for the bare minimum of animal welfare.
As a Massachusetts resident, I am calling on Senator Creem, Senate President Murray and Speaker Deleo to help keep this cruelty out of Massachusetts. Please support and pass the confinement bill. This effort is a test of our own humanity. Let’s take a stand to speak for those whose voices often are not heard."
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