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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 - Berkshire County - 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?

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Berkshire County Results
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City/Town Ward Pct Blanks Total Votes Cast
Totals
17,029
41,106
5,819 63,954
Adams
 
1,141
3,281
237
4,659
Alford
 
51
156
16
223
Becket
 
145
385
45
575
Cheshire
 
376
1,257
52
1,685
Clarksburg
 
229
609
40
878
Dalton
 
864
2,255
225
3,344
Egremont
 
163
519
29
711
Florida
 
84
282
16
382
Great Barrington
 
869
2,062
287
3,218
Hancock
 
65
245
7
317
Hinsdale
 
233
518
56
807
Lanesborough
 
294
925
156
1,375
Lee
 
617
1,695
319
2,631
Lenox
 
778
1,747
229
2,754
Monterey
 
119
300
21
440
Mount Washington
 
16
49
4
69
New Ashford
 
31
88
4
123
New Marlborough
 
166
406
24
596
N. Adams
 
1,826
4,168
505
6,499
Otis
 
129
327
33
489
Peru
 
59
234
8
301
Pittsfield
 
6,087
12,902
3,020
22,009
Richmond
 
232
638
28
898
Sandisfield
 
106
165
21
292
Savoy
 
51
195
1
247
Sheffield
 
386
978
63
1,427
Stockbridge
 
505
850
80
1,435
Tyringham
 
42
164
3
209
Washington
 
59
184
1
244
W. Stockbridge
 
200
515
60
775
Williamstown
 
1,031
2,681
227
3,939
Windsor
 
75
326
2
403
County Totals
17,029
41,106
5,819 63,954