Editorial: Yes on Question 3

Massachusetts Ballot Question 3 “would prohibit any farm owner or operator from knowingly confining any breeding pig, calf raised for veal or egg-laying hen in a way that prevents the animal from lying down, standing up, fully extending its limbs or turning around freely.”

In addition — and of more impact to state residents — the law would ban the selling of eggs or meat from hens, pigs or calves if the seller “knows or should know” that the animal was confined in a manner prohibited by the law.

It is difficult, if not impossible, to dispute this issue on moral or ethical grounds. Animals, even those raised for their eggs or our consumption, should be treated humanely.