by
Robert Davis, The Center Square
| April 22, 2021 09:00 AM
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A proposed ballot measure in Colorado is drawing the ire of Weld County commissioners and members of the state’s agriculture industry.
Initiative 16, which could appear on the November 2022 ballot, purports to expand state prohibitions against animal cruelty. However, commissioners in the rural county contend that it will harm farmers, ranchers, and other professions.
Weld County commissioners on Wednesday voted unanimously to oppose the measure.
Commissioner Pro-Tem Scott James described the initiative as bad policy that's clouded with spin.
“When people hear the spin on this initiative, it sounds good – who doesn’t want to end animal cruelty – however, the language being used to tug at voter’s heartstrings is hollow when you actually read the verbiage proposed and educate yourself on what it is really aiming to accomplish,” James said in a statement.