By MEGGIE. I. FOSTER
Assistant Editor

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Both the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) and the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation (OFBF) declared victory on June 30, as Gov. Ted Strickland announced an agreement that would concede some proposed changes to state animal care standards if HSUS would back down from its fall ballot initiative on livestock care.

“This agreement represents a joint effort to find common ground,” said Strickland during a press conference alongside HSUS Executive Director and CEO Wayne Pacelle and OFBF Executive Vice President Jack Fisher last week. “As a result, Ohio agriculture will remain strong and animals will be treated better. Instead of expending tens of millions of dollars and unproductive energy fighting an acrimonious campaign through the fall, both sides will be able to continue investing in our agricultural base and taking care of animals.”

Specifically, the agreement includes recommendations for the Ohio Livestock Care Standards Care Board, the Ohio Legislature, and the governor to adopt the following provisions:

•A ban on veal crates by 2017, although the American Veal Assoc. has already issued a nationwide phaseout of veal crates by the same year.

•A ban on new gestation crates in the state after Dec. 31. Existing facilities must cease the use of crates by Dec. 31, 2025, a 15-year transition to group housing.

•A moratorium on permits for new battery cage confinement facilities for laying hens.

•A ban on strangulation of farm animals and mandatory humane euthanasia methods for sick or injured animals.

•A ban on the transport of downer cows for slaughter.

•Strong support for legislation establishing felony-level penalties for cockfighters – House Bill 108.

•Strong support for legislation to promote steepier regulations on puppy mills – Senate Bill 95.

•The Ohio Department of Agriculture and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources will coordinate and take action on the sale and/or possession of dangerous exotic animals as pets, such as primates, bears, lions, tigers, large constricting and venomous snakes, crocodiles and alligators.

Additionally, the agreement includes an imminent issued statement of support from HSUS for the mission and purpose of the Ohio Livestock Care Standards Board.

“This agreement is the best compromise ever reached between agriculture and HSUS across the nation,” said Dick Isler, Ohio Pork Producers Council executive vice president. “HSUS has agreed to support the mission and purpose of the Ohio Livestock Care Standards Board, which they have previously opposed.”

According to Strickland, “the agreement preserves the integrity of the Ohio Livestock Animal Care Standards Board and provides meaningful recommendations on animal welfare and animal care standards.” The decision, he said, carries the support of Ohioans for Animal Care, a coalition of Ohio’s agricultural organizations and Ohioans for Livestock Care Steering Committee, which is made up of poultry, pork, dairy, beef, corn and soybean associations and the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation.

“This agreement allows the Ohioans for Livestock Care Board to carry out its mission as approved by the voters last fall,” said Fisher. “It allows Ohio farmers to continue producing safe, local, affordable food for Ohio consumers.

Fisher mentioned during the press conference that in comparison to other states where HSUS has negotiated a settlement with agricultural groups, “this agreement is unique in that it addresses more than just livestock care issues. The agreement also addresses regulations on dog breeding kennels, cockfighting and dangerous and exotic animals.”

“This agreement provides a pathway for the enactment of a series of eight major animal welfare reforms, representing an historic advance on animal welfare issues,” said Pacelle, president.
“We are grateful, in particular, for the Governor for helping negotiate this deal, and to agricultural leaders who sat down in good faith on these issues.”

Victory or defeat?

Meanwhile, many farmers and members of the Ohio Farm Bureau are expressing considerable frustration over the new arrangement with HSUS.

“I don’t think OFBF (Ohio Farm Bureau Federation) understands the betrayal that is going to be felt by its members and Ohio’s agricultural community,” wrote Matthew Weeman on an online post at http://ofbf.org/news-and-events/news/799/ “I have worked very hard to promote agriculture, the Livestock Care Standards Board and Ohio’s commitment to providing a safe, affordable food supply full of choice for Ohio’s consumers. I feel … absolutely betrayed.”
“This is truly a slap in the face to all of us that worked hard to get the (Ohio Livestock Care Standards) Board passed,” wrote Leslie Campbell on the same online forum. “The whole idea that was pitched by the FB (Farm Bureau) to the voters was to stop outside organizations from being able to dictate how responsible farmers/breeders care for their animals and that is exactly what is happening now.”

One concerned Ohio citizen theorized the possibility of political maneuvering by HSUS and OFBF.

“HSUS might not feel comfortable with proceeding this November with a ballot initiative,” commented Jack Schmiesing. “OFBF avoids a potentially costly election. Come Jan. 1, 2011, HSUS can claim that the terms of the agreement were not lived up to, and so is withdrawing, and they have succeeded in having OFBF agree to oppose gestation crates and battery cages. My conclusion, from what I know so far, is that HSUS just got a major stepping stone in getting the OFBF to agree with HSUS about gestation crates and battery cages; without OFBF having the benefit of scientific and practical research on the matter.

While the agreement is not legally binding, according to Fisher, Pacelle said his organization will not pursue intended plans for a ballot initiative so long as progress is made toward implementation of the agreement.

“Given that animal agriculture is constantly changing, we will always find new and better ways to do things and I think that’s also true with animal housing,” said Isler. “As we move forward, consumers can continue to rest assured that no one has a higher level of standards and commitment toward providing a safe, affordable food supply, and maintaining the best animal care, than Ohio farmers.”
To stay abreast of the issue, go to http://ofbf.org or visit the Ohio Livestock Care Standards Board website at www.ohiolivestockcarestandardsboard.org