COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Ohio Governor Ted Strickland, the major organizations representing livestock producers and other agricultural interests, and the Humane Society of the United States have announced a joint agreement which will result in the Humane Society not pursuing a ballot initiative this fall to ban new caged housing for layer hens.
The Humane Society is the largest of several organizations that gathered more than 500,000 signatures of registered Ohio voters to put the issue of farm-animal care on the November ballot.
"This agreement represents a joint effort to find common ground. As a result, Ohio agriculture will remain strong and animals will be treated better," Strickland said. "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."
While the agreement allows the continued use of caged housing for egg farms already using that system, it also states that the Ohio Department of Agriculture will not grant any new permits for egg farms that use traditional battery cage housing.
Another element of the agreement states Ohio's agriculture community and HSUS will jointly fund independent research on best management practices in hog and egg production with specific focus on gestation crate and traditional cage housing.
Jim Chakeres, Ohio Poultry Association executive vice president, said that in reaching the accord, "Ohio's egg farmers can continue the excellent care of hens that has always been a top priority. In particular, we are pleased that instead of allowing political pressure to shape animal care policy, HSUS and egg farmers have agreed to further research into hen housing that will enable us to reassure consumers of our commitment to doing what's right for our flocks and to providing safe, affordable, Ohio-produced eggs for consumers."
The agreement preserves the integrity of the Ohio Livestock Animal Care Standards Board and has the support of Ohioans for Livestock Care Steering Committee, which is made up of poultry, pork, dairy, beef, corn and soybean associations and the Ohio Farm Bureau.
"This agreement allows the Ohioans for Livestock Care Standards Board to carry out its mission as approved by the voters last fall," said Ohio Farm Bureau Executive Vice President Jack Fisher. "It allows Ohio farmers to continue producing safe, local, affordable food for Ohio consumers."
The Ohio Livestock Care Standards Board, endorsed by Ohio voters in November 2009, was pushed by state agricultural interests as a means to halt efforts by animal rights groups seeking to ban cages or crates for laying hens, sows and veal calves.
The board's mission is to prescribe standards for animal care and well-being that endeavors to maintain food safety, encourage locally grown and raised food and protect Ohio farms and families. It is to consist of 13 members under the chairmanship of the state department of agriculture director.
Chakeres said Ohio's farm community's efforts in 2009 to establish the board played a key role in the successful negotiation with HSUS. "Without question, one of the most important elements of this agreement is the understanding by the two parties that the board must be given time to work," he said.
However, the Animal Agriculture Alliance, a non-profit industry group, said "the only group to benefit from this agreement is HSUS."
"Unfortunately, Ohio's agricultural leadership has succumbed to pressures from the Humane Society of the United States, a national animal rights group that has effectively undermined the authority of the newly established board by imposing restrictions that mandate the way that producers can care for their animals," the alliance stated.
The alliance further noted that this "compromise" is only the beginning. "HSUS CEO Wayne Pacelle has indicated that the agreement is "not legally binding," meaning that while HSUS will not be pursuing a ballot initiative this fall, the future is still uncertain," the alliance said.
While the agreement is not legally binding, it commits HSUS and agricultural groups to make certain recommendations to the Ohio Livestock Care Standards Board. If the board fails to enact the recommendations, HSUS has the right to proceed with its ballot initiative using the signatures already gathered, according to the agreement.
In comparison to other states where the Humane Society has negotiated a settlement with agricultural interests and state leaders, this agreement addresses more than just livestock care issues. The agreement also addresses regulations on dog breeding kennels, cockfighting and dangerous and exotic animals.
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