Dayton Daily News

Issue 2 State of Ohio

Issue Information:

ISSUE 2: PROPOSED CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT TO CREATE THE OHIO LIVESTOCK CARE STANDARDS BOARD (Proposed by Joint Resolution of the General Assembly of Ohio)
To enact Section 1 of Article XIV of the Ohio Constitution

A YES vote means approval of the amendment.
A NO vote means disapproval of the amendment.
A majority YES vote is required for the amendment to be adopted.

If approved, this proposed amendment will be effective immediately.

League Explanation of Issue 2:
This proposed constitutional amendment would create the Ohio Livestock Care Standards Board for the purpose of establishing standards governing the care and well-being of livestock and poultry in Ohio. The bipartisan board would consist of thirteen members:

* The director of the state department that regulates agriculture
* Ten members appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate, including:
* One member representing family farms
* One member knowledgeable about food safety
* Two members representing statewide organizations that represent farmers
* One member who is a veterinarian
* The State Veterinarian in the state department that regulates agriculture
* The dean of the agriculture department of a college or university in Ohio
* Two members of the public representing Ohio consumers
* One member representing a county humane society
* One member appointed by the Speaker of the House who shall be a family farmer
* One member appointed by the President of the Senate who shall be a family farmer

The Board would have authority to establish standards governing the care and well-being of livestock and poultry in Ohio, subject only to the authority of the General Assembly.

Proponents of the proposed amendment argue that:
1. The board represents a balance of interests.
2. The board would establish standards governing the care and well being of livestock and poultry in Ohio.
3. Ohioans can have greater confidence in the safety of locally produced food.

Opponents of the proposed amendment argue that:
1. The board should be created by statute rather than by amendment to the Ohio Constitution.
2. Creating another regulatory board utilizes revenues best spent on basic services to Ohioans.
3. The amendment could prevent certain animal care reform proposed by national animal rights
organizations.

Websites: Websites are not available for both the proponents and opponents.