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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 - Hampshire 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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Hampshire County Results
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City/Town Ward Pct Blanks Total Votes Cast
Totals
17,267
45,359
3,293 65,919
Amherst
 
3,662
7,801
860
12,323
Belchertown
 
983
3,166
164
4,313
Chesterfield
 
62
404
13
479
Cummington
 
51
358
5
414
Easthampton
 
1,971
5,086
325
7,382
Goshen
 
88
314
11
413
Granby
 
541
1,770
189
2,500
Hadley
 
514
2,046
84
2,644
Hatfield
 
421
1,328
93
1,842
Huntington
 
117
644
14
775
Middlefield
 
25
172
8
205
Northampton
 
4,436
9,133
723
14,292
Pelham
 
165
586
16
767
Plainfield
 
30
242
2
274
S. Hadley
 
2,522
5,134
476
8,132
Southampton
 
485
1,690
60
2,235
Ware
 
793
3,365
189
4,347
Westhampton
 
88
641
10
739
Williamsburg
 
222
1,001
39
1,262
Worthington
 
91
478
12
581
County Totals
17,267
45,359
3,293 65,919