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Summary of Question 3

The proposed law would require the Commissioner of the Department of Food and Agriculture to issue regulations to ensure that farm animals are maintained in good health and that cruel or inhumane practices are not used in the raising, handling or transportation of farm animals.

The Commissioner would issue regulations, effective within four years after passage of the proposed law, about the surgical procedures used on farm animals, the transportation and slaughter of farm animals, and the diet and housing of those animals. The Director of the Division of Animal Health could issue exemption permits for a period of time up to one year and one half to any farmer.

Under the proposed measure, an unpaid Scientific Advisory Board on Farm Animal Welfare comprised of veterinarians and animal scientists would also be established within the Department of Food and Agriculture. The Board would examine animal agricultural practices, issue for publication certain reports on farm practices, and make non-binding recommendations to the Commissioner about specific regulations. If appropriated by the legislature, the Board may allocate an annual sum of not more than ten cents per Massachusetts citizen to assist farmers in adopting methods which are consistent with the purposes of this law.

The Director of the Division of Animal Health would be responsible for enforcing regulations issued as a result of this proposed law. Persons who violate the new law would be punished by a fine of up to $1,000

1988 - Statewide - Question 3Do you approve of a law summarized below, which was disapproved by the House of Representatives on May 2, 1988, by a vote of 2-150, and disapproved by the Senate on May 3, 1988, by a vote of 0-34?

View as: # | %  
County Blanks Total Votes Cast
Barnstable More »
 
31,277
63,883
7,203
102,363
Berkshire More »
 
17,029
41,106
5,819
63,954
Bristol More »
 
63,427
115,850
18,893
198,170
Dukes More »
 
2,840
3,789
450
7,079
Essex More »
 
81,896
212,866
17,436
312,198
Franklin More »
 
5,476
26,861
1,264
33,601
Hampden More »
 
50,958
104,459
21,195
176,612
Hampshire More »
 
17,267
45,359
3,293
65,919
Middlesex More »
 
178,108
456,695
41,464
676,267
Nantucket More »
 
1,934
1,581
248
3,763
Norfolk More »
 
86,292
219,476
16,464
322,232
Plymouth More »
 
49,489
139,585
8,613
197,687
Suffolk More »
 
70,314
124,297
35,682
230,293
Worcester More »
 
57,692
225,365
16,434
299,491
Totals
713,999
1,781,172
194,458 2,689,629