While I am sympathetic to the challenges facing our neighbors at Diemand Farm in Wendell if Question 3 passes, the positive impact of the measure would extend far beyond the commonwealth.
Given that the majority of eggs sold in Massachusetts come from out of state, those out-of-state farmers would also be subject to the cage-free law, in order to sell their eggs here.
Furthermore, Question 3 would stop out-of-state pig farms that use inhumane practices, such as gestation crates, from selling pork in Massachusetts.
Opponents of Question 3 portray this measure as extreme and supported only by “radical groups,” but the fact is that such mainstream companies as Costco, Oscar Mayer and Smithfield have already committed to the elimination of gestation crates, and McDonald’s, Walmart and Dunkin Donuts are transitioning to the use of only cage-free eggs.
Furthermore, within the commonwealth, measure 3 has the backing of the Massachusetts Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, the Animal Rescue League of Boston, 500 veterinarians, 1,000 volunteer signature-gatherers and 170,000 petition-signers — not to mention more than 100 farmers.
It’s time Massachusetts joins the growing number of states and businesses that are codifying these very modest standards for the humane treatment of animals into their laws and business practices.
Laurie Rhoades
Montague