The Questions 3 ballot measure deserves a “Yes” for many reasons.
Multinational companies that sell eggs and meat here often lock hens, pigs and calves in cages so small the animals can barely move, much less walk.
More than a dozen studies have found that confining egg-laying hens in cages dramatically increases the risk of infection from the dangerous food-born bacteria Salmonella, which is a threat to public health and safety.
In addition, factory farms that use these cages produce enormous amounts of concentrated waste that ends up polluting streams and rivers.
Responsible Massachusetts farmers have shown that it’s possible to raise animals while minimizing suffering, food safety risks and pollution; we should require the same of all producers.
Over 100 family farmers and 500 veterinarians support this ballot initiative. Voters should, too, by voting “Yes” on Question 3!
It is the morally right thing to do for the animals that are confined, the environment and for the workers that also have to deal with cramped and inhumane conditions on factory farms.
Laura Hancock
Greenfield