Prop 2 Legislative Hearing

I dragged myself out of bed at 5 this morning... so early, even my dogs were baffled. I stumbled to the shower, washed, dressed myself, took the dogs out to play, brought them back in for food, and was out the door by 545. Why? Because this morning was an important morning for Prop 2. A public legislative hearing was being held in San Luis Obispo for the purpose of educating voters and legislators about the Prevention of Farm Animal Cruelty Act. Translation: So I could speak up for the farm animals of California.

The drive to San Luis Obispo is beautiful, and if you're sailing through at the right time, it's traffic-free. Just a drive along the coastline, with trees towering overhead and light glimmering off the water. Completely idyllic and totally recommended before you go in for a battle between agribusiness and animal lovers. The ocean was like preventative medicine this morning: a vitamin shot to keep me from losing my mind during the hearing.

I'll be blunt about it. We were outnumbered. The head of the agricultural committee had scheduled the meeting in the home of one of California's largest agriculture schools, and the ag students and egg producers were out in droves. As I approached the door to the chambers, I overheard two prop-2 opponents talking. "They have enough space," he joked, "this is enough space, right?" he asked, laughing and raising his cramped arms to shoulder level. Animal abuse jokes are, apparently, a riot.

As our support trickled in, I knew we had more behind us than just numbers; we had the truth. All the greed in the world can't beat that, and over time, truth and justice seem to always play the winning hand. And while we might not fill a room on such short notice, the supporters for Prop 2 could fill a book. When voters hear about the terrible abuse that goes on in factory farms, they are appalled. It is a matter of education, and more and more, voters are being educated. Of all the propositions on the CA ballot, prop 2 maintains the strongest support. Even a room full of cattle ranchers can't tackle that.

A group of wonderful volunteers trickled in as we awaited the beginning of the session. Some had come from San Diego (putting my 3 hour drive to shame with their 5+ hour journey) just to speak up for prop 2 and the farm animals it seeks to protect. I am always proud, in moments like this, to be an animal rights activist. When you see activists selflessly give up their day to speak for calves, chickens, and pigs who are suffering, you remember that there is a kindness in the hearts of humans, and over time, it is sure to conquer all else.

The hearing itself was not entirely surprising. The agriculture committee was more sympathetic to, well... agriculture. Animal welfare was a virtually nonexistent topic in the testimonies given by the reviewers, opposition and council members, a reminder that our government will not look after the meekest among us until we demand that they do.

"How much will this cost?"
"Will egg production move to Mexico?"
"Will salmonella be more or less likely?"
"Will we lose money?"
"Will we gain money?"
"How much tax revenue will we lose?"
"How much tax revenue will we gain?"

Finance was the topic of the hour; the animals, a footnote. When we (the supporters) were finally given our turn, it was Wayne Pacelle, president of the Humane Society of the United States, who best put it to words: "This is a simple humane issue... Animals who are built to move should be able to move." Case closed. All the economics in the world cannot excuse the suffering of millions of animals state wide.

As the hours wore on, the opposition attempted to defend the practice of keeping animals in quarters so small, their natural behaviours are all but completely lost. Some even attempted the argument that hens are happier in these conditions, with no explanation. None was needed-- you could hear the cash register ding.

It goes without saying, I hope, that you cannot put a price on the cessation of suffering. Animals have been paying too high a price for centuries. It's time for us to pick up the bill.

When it was time for the public to speak, I watched compassionate person after compassionate person walk bravely to the microphone and state what we would have hoped would not need saying: that animals deserve to be more than commodities. That welfare has a place in the legal system. That life behind bars is no life at all.

As I left this morning's hearing, volunteers approached me to thank Farm Sanctuary for being present at the hearing. I told them it was our pleasure. And it truly is. When you know these animals personally-- when you've spent an afternoon with Lily Pig, watched Helena Hen lay in her nesting box, or witnessed, with bated breath, Phoenix Calf learn to walk, you cannot help but fight for their rights to live, to move, to socialize, to be. It is truly my pleasure.