Support act preventing cruelty to farm animals

On industrialized farms, calves raised for veal and breeding pigs are confined to crates measuring only slightly larger than their own bodies. They are so tightly penned they cannot even turn around for months at a time. Egg-laying hens are kept in equally poor conditions: barren wire cages with less space per hen than a single letter-size piece of writing paper. Most of us support reforms that would provide a more humane living environment for these animals. In addition, as a veterinarian, I know there is solid scientific evidence supporting such reforms — science demonstrating that freedom of movement and the expression of natural behavior are necessary prerequisites for an acceptable quality of life. Alternatives to these extreme confinement methods already exist, are in widespread commercial use and are economically viable. As Massachusetts residents, we have an opportunity to take a stand in support of more humane housing by supporting an upcoming ballot measure, the Prevention of Farm Animal Cruelty Act, which will require that pigs, calves and hens simply have room to stand up, turn around, and stretch their limbs. I am proud to join my Massachusetts veterinary colleagues in supporting this measure. Barry Kellogg Pittsfield — The writer is on the board of directors of the Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association.