Missouri lawmakers eye livestock care standards board

Missouri lawmakers hope to establish a livestock care standards board, emulating the November initiative approved by voters in Ohio. The proposed bill could preempt attempts by the Humane Society of the United States to put an animal welfare measure on Missouri's November 2010 ballot. Although the organization maintains that its voter petition drive is aimed at regulating dog breeders, members of the livestock industry are concerned that the wording of the proposition would be ambiguous and could restrict legitimate livestock operations.
Legislation to create the livestock care standards board will be introduced into the Missouri legislature in January and, as with the Ohio action, would preempt restrictions on confinement housing.