Abstract:
It would stop the use of gestation crates found in factory hog farms. There, each pregnant sow is kept in a metal cage so narrow that the animal can't turn its body. Hundreds of these crates are lined up, and the sows stand in their own excrement. Denied any release for instinctive behavior, the animals bruise themselves, develop cysts and even break bones.

In addition to eliminating unnecessary suffering, the amendment holds out another benefit for the state of Florida. Because factory hog farms use gestation crates to maximize their profits, they would be discouraged from moving their operations here should the amendment pass, and that is a good thing. Large hog farms pose a serious threat to the environment and human health. When Hurricane Floyd hit North Carolina (where such hog farms proliferate), millions of gallons of hog waste contaminated rivers, lakes and shoreline and threatened the drinking water supply. Florida's topography makes us even more vulnerable.

Critics of Amendment 10 which would regulate treatment of pregnant pigs - have loaded up on sarcastic puns as they attack the issue. "This is the archetypal pig-in-a-poke," said Pat Cockrell of the Florida Farm Bureau, the amendment's main opponent, calling it a "greasy attempt" to "lard up our state's Constitution." But there is nothing funny about the conditions addressed in this amendment, titled the Animal Cruelty Amendment.

It would stop the use of gestation crates found in factory hog farms. There, each pregnant sow is kept in a metal cage so narrow that the animal can't turn its body. Hundreds of these crates are lined up, and the sows stand in their own excrement. Denied any release for instinctive behavior, the animals bruise themselves, develop cysts and even break bones.

Highly intelligent animals, the confined sows also show signs of psychological stress. Journalist Matthew Scully, who visited one such operation, described the scene as "a bedlam of squealing, chain rattling and horrible roaring from the sows."

The animals are briefly removed from the crates to give birth, but are artificially inseminated once again and returned to the restrictive cages. This process is repeated up to 10 times before the sows are slaughtered.

Such cruelty explains why the Humane Society of the United States supports Amendment 10, which would outlaw the use of gestation crates in Florida. "We would like to see farmers treat the animals humanely throughout the food process," said Wayne Pacelle, senior vice president of the Humane Society.

In addition to eliminating unnecessary suffering, the amendment holds out another benefit for the state of Florida. Because factory hog farms use gestation crates to maximize their profits, they would be discouraged from moving their operations here should the amendment pass, and that is a good thing. Large hog farms pose a serious threat to the environment and human health. When Hurricane Floyd hit North Carolina (where such hog farms proliferate), millions of gallons of hog waste contaminated rivers, lakes and shoreline and threatened the drinking water supply. Florida's topography makes us even more vulnerable.

Amendment 10 would not stop all hog farming in Florida, and it would not harm responsible farms already in existence, which would have time to phase out gestation crates if they use them. "We're supporting small farms, without sacrificing animal welfare," Pacelle said.

The argument that this amendment does not belong in the Florida Constitution is misguided. The same could be said of the anti- smoking amendment on this year's ballot and of the net fishing ban approved by voters several years ago. The only process citizens have to address needs that have been ignored by the Legislature is through a constitutional amendment, and lawmakers have not been responsive on this subject. Besides, who would argue that stopping animal cruelty and protecting the state from an environmental disaster are not worthy subjects?

The Times recommends a YES vote on Amendment 10.

Ballot summary
Inhumane treatment of animals is a concern of Florida citizens; to prevent cruelty to animals and as recommended by the Humane Society of the United States, no person shall confine a pig during pregnancy in a cage, crate or other enclosure, or tether a pregnant pig, on a farm so that the pig is prevented from turning around freely, except for veterinary purposes and during the prebirthing period; provides definitions, penalties, and an effective date.