Two ballot initiatives currently moving through the legislation process in Colorado and Oregon would pose major threats to the livestock industry in those states and across the nation.
The Colorado Treatment of Animals Initiative is scheduled to appear on the ballot in the 2022 elections if it gains enough signatures. The initiative is statutory, rather than constitutional, meaning only a popular amount of signatures from anywhere in the state is required, rather than needing signatures from all 64 counties. More than 124,000 signatures are required, and signatures are due Oct. 18 this year.
The initiative would redefine the legal definition of livestock to include fish and also redefine the meaning of a sexual act with a livestock animal to include manipulating the genitals and vaginal and rectal cavities, which is necessary for many industry standard procedures, such as artificial insemination, fertility testing and castration.
Agri-women Oppose Colorado Initiative 16
Wednesday Apr 28th, 2021
The Colorado Treatment of Animals Initiative 16 has garnered the attention of the American Agri-Women organization.
The group is the nation’s largest coalition of farm, ranch, and agribusiness women and is using its lobbying power to oppose the measure.
American Agri-Women President Karolyn Zurn is warning Coloradans that, “ Initiative 16 is deceiving the voters to advance an anti-meat agenda.”
A statement from Zurn adds the measure would impose unrealistic mandates for animal agriculture that are designed to reduce meat and dairy production. And Zurn says signatures will be gathered by an extremist anti-agriculture, animal rights group.
Agri-women Oppose Colorado Initiative 16
Wednesday Apr 28th, 2021
The Colorado Treatment of Animals Initiative 16 has garnered the attention of the American Agri-Women organization.
The group is the nation’s largest coalition of farm, ranch, and agribusiness women and is using its lobbying power to oppose the measure.
American Agri-Women President Karolyn Zurn is warning Coloradans that, “ Initiative 16 is deceiving the voters to advance an anti-meat agenda.”
A statement from Zurn adds the measure would impose unrealistic mandates for animal agriculture that are designed to reduce meat and dairy production. And Zurn says signatures will be gathered by an extremist anti-agriculture, animal rights group.