Arizona Voters Can Take a Stand for Our Sister the Swine

From the Valley of the Sun:

A ballot proposition that seeks improved conditions for livestock has drawn hundreds of thousands of dollars from animal rights groups and agricultural organizations across the country.

If passed, Proposition 204 would prohibit farmers from constraining calfs raised for veal and pregnant pigs in a manner that would prevent the animals from lying down, fully extending their legs or turning around freely.

I personally support any legislation that makes life easier for farm animals, many of whom endure torture and poor living conditions that would even make President Bush blush. On the other hand, one aspect of this story makes me really nervous:

If voters approve the measure in November, farmers would have until 2013 to comply. Since the state’s hog industry is small, the impact would be small. In fact, the proposition would mainly affect one farm — the Pigs for Farmer John farm in Snowflake.

I have reservations about any law that seems to target one person, community, or company. Of course, I live nowhere near Arizona, so I can only follow this story from afar.