Michigan House Passes Animal-care Legislation

September 30, 2009 — 

Last week, the Michigan House of Representatives voted 87-20 to pass farm animal welfare legislation. The measure had been approved by the body's Agriculture Committee earlier this summer, following a few modifications to the original bill. The bill now heads to the Michigan Senate.

The legislation pertains to the care of meat and dairy animals and egg-laying hens on Michigan farms. The move is designed to set a "gold standard" of farm animal care and respond to consumer interest about food origins and safety.

Supporters say the legislation is designed to head off ballot initiatives like those passed in other states, including Florida, Arizona and California's infamous Proposal 2. However, it is unclear if the legislation is strong enough to prevent groups like the Humane Society of the United States from attempting to get more restrictive regulations on a future ballot.

Source: Dairy Herd Management