State Issue 2: Livestock Care Panel, What would it do?

BURTON/WINDSOR -- State Issue 2 is an important debate that will affect farm animals, farmers and Ohio consumers.

It's pitting political leaders, farm and business groups against animal rights' groups and others who want to keep overly specific issues out of the state Constitution.

A "yes" vote on Issue 2 is in favor of creating a 13-member board of Ohio farming and food experts to make rules about caring for livestock.

It is on the ballot as a way to pre-empt initiatives from the Humane Society of the United States to phase out keeping pigs, veal calves and chickens in crates and cages.

The group claims millions of animals live in inhumane conditions on big "factory" farms, mostly in Northwest Ohio.

Seven states have adopted such measures by popular vote or legislative action.

Opponents of such measures in Ohio rejected animal protection groups' overtures to discuss similar regulations here.

Brenda Hastings is the face on commercials being run by Issue 2 supporters, promising a "safe, affordable and local supply of food."

She and her husband raise 600 dairy cattle in Burton in Geauga County.

She is not in favor of more regulations.

But if new regulations are coming because of consumers' greater interest in what they eat, she wants them made by Ohioans and based on "the best management practice and science."

She feels animal rights groups' "ultimate goal is a vegetarian society. We would got out of business. You would not longer be getting milk from dairy farms in Northeast Ohio. It would be coming from other states or other countries."

Mardy Townsend raises a small herd of grass-fed cattle in Windsor in Ashtabula County.

She opposes Issue 2 on political principle and practical fears of a body creating policy for "affordable food." She also supports eliminating confinding crates and cages.

"I don't think this belongs in the constitution at all. It would create another layer of government....There is no definiiton of affordable food. Anything that comes out of large factory farms will be less expensive than something I raise on my farm. It takes me about twelve months longer to get cattle to market, " she said.

Both sides claim they are trying to protect an ever-dwindling number of Ohio family farms.

There are other important issues dealing with animal disease control and pollution.

The Humane Society vows to push for a ballot initiative on animal confinement regulations if Issue 2 passes.

We have complete interviews with Issue 2 supporter Brenda Hastings and opponent Mardy Townsend if you click on the video at the right.