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Michigan working on tougher livestock rules
Legislation working its way through the Michigan legislature would impose stricter animal husbandry rules on Michigan’s pork and poultry industries.
The bill, which has passed the Michigan House on an 87-20 vote, is the result of a compromise reached between the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) and groups representing Michigan’s pork and poultry producers. This after HSUS threatened to seek a ballot initiative similar to California’s controversial Proposition 2.
Sam Hines, executive vice president of Michigan Pork Producers, says the handwriting was on the wall.
“You know, the uncertainty that might come with the passage of a ballot initiative—and even the negative implications that would have—was something that both our poultry and pork producers wanted to avoid,” Hines says.
The bill would give producers ten years to make the transition to different systems. While the legislation is being compared to California’s law, Hines says it is actually closer to the compromise that HSUS negotiated with Colorado pork producers in 2008.
“In our case, it will allow the use of the stalls for breeding purposes until the sow is confirmed pregnant,” explains Hines. “At that time they would have to be co-mingled in a manner where they wouldn’t be impeded or constrained to any great extent. They could lie down and extend their extremities, etcetera.
Hines says the measure also allows for the use of a farrowing stall, which a sow could be put into seven days prior to the due date. “So there are a lot of provisions in the bill that our producers will have to transition into,” says Hines, “although some of them actually have begun to do some of that here already.”
The bill now goes to the Michigan Senate for consideration.
Tags: Poultry
Cowards to fall for this cult’s trick. They want the total ban on livestock farming and they will get it with you cowards falling for their tricks. Sue them if they tell their lies on the media again. Quit falling for their lies. They have been found guilty in Germany of falsifying evidence and producing fake videos. These people lie. Do not believe them when they tell you they will leave you alone. They come back with even more restrictions. This is so wrong. You failed all livestock farmers by falling for this cult. Did you know they made sheep farmers quit using sheep dogs to herd sheep. They want to make your life more difficult thus forcing you out of business. Every rep should know this by now.