Yes on 3 for animal well-being, food safety

To the editor:

Citizens concerned with animal well-being and food safety are urged to vote Yes on Question 3 on Nov. 8. A yes vote is a vote in favor of the Act to Prevent Cruelty to Farm Animals, which aims to phase out extreme methods of farm animal confinement. These methods of confinement not only harm farm animals, they also threaten the health and safety of Massachusetts consumers and increase the risk of food-borne illness.

This is a measure that affects everyone, not only those concerned with the well-being of animals raised for food, but also those who buy meat and eggs for their families as well as those concerned about the safety and quality of the food their friends and families eat.

Question 3 aims to ensure that pigs, laying hens and veal calves have enough room to move freely and extend their limbs.

From a food safety standpoint, several studies show that severely confining laying hens can lead to an increase in salmonella in eggs, and the FDA recognizes salmonella as a serious egg-associated illness. The act is a common-sense approach to reduce both confinement and disease.

Question 3 has been endorsed by the MSPCA, ASPCA, the Union of Concerned Scientists, the Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association, many local farmers, as well as hundreds of veterinary professionals and many veterinary clinics and hospitals across Massachusetts.

Voters can learn more about this important cause at www.yeson3.com.

Lindsey Feldman

Amesbury