Indiana: Proposition 2
California has just passed Proposition 2, which promotes more humane conditions for veal calves, pregnant sows and especially egg-laying hens (no provisions of any kind have been made for them until now). As the first of its kind, we hope it will inspire awareness of animal rights and more laws preventing cruelty in factory farm settings.
Being that Indiana is one of the top egg producers in the country, we find it particularly important that it follows California's example and carries the torch to light the way for others.
We the undersigned propose that the factory-farm hatcheries of Indiana be given 6 years to phase out inhumane confinement of chickens by either converting battery cages to furnished colony cages or going entirely-cage free, also that out-of-state factory farm operators may not be allowed to set up adverse conditions, and violators are fined or imprisoned.
Aside from benefiting the chickens themselves, keeping flocks comfortably small and uncrowded will prevent the spread of salmonella, as well as lower the ammonia concentrations that endanger the health of nearby communities.
We ask that this be perceived as an inter-species concern that pertains to everyone, and thank you for your time.
