HCS HJR 86 -- RIGHT TO RAISE ANIMALS

SPONSOR:  Loehner

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass" by the Committee on
Agriculture Policy by a vote of 11 to 1.

Upon voter approval, this constitutional amendment, in order to
protect Missouri's agricultural economy, affirms the right of
Missouri citizens to raise domestic animals in a humane manner
that promotes the health and survival of the animals without the
state imposing an undue economic burden on their owners.  No law
criminalizing or regulating crops or the welfare of animals will
be valid unless based upon generally accepted scientific
principles and enacted by the General Assembly.

FISCAL NOTE:  Estimated Effect on General Revenue Fund of an
income of $0 or a cost of More than $7,000,000 in FY 2011, an
income of $0 in FY 2012, and an income of $0 in FY 2013.  No
impact on Other State Funds in FY 2011, FY 2012, and FY 2013.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say that the livestock business is
getting smaller both in the number of animals and the number of
livestock producers.  This trend is due in part to the influences
of persons and groups with no practical knowledge of animal
husbandry or accepted practices regarding the care and treatment
of animals.  Retaining current producers and attracting new ones
are essential to supplying high-quality affordable meat and meat
products.  It is a key component of Missouri's economy and the
health and welfare of Missouri's citizens.

Testifying for the bill were Representative Loehner; and Missouri
Federation of Animal Owners.

OPPONENTS:  Those who oppose the bill say that it is not
necessary and protects bad actors in animal agriculture.  If
passed, it could result in numerous law suits regarding zoning.
The bill is an attempt by producers to escape regulation while
disregarding the health and safety of the public.

Testifying against the bill was Dale Bartlet, United States
Humane Society.

OTHERS:  Others testifying on the bill support the intent but not
the wording.  The limiting of herd size and animal facility
expansion and increased production costs will adversely affect
not only producers but consumers as well.

Testifying on the bill were Representative Smith (150); Missouri
Farm Bureau; and Missouri Cattlemens Association.

Missouri House of Representatives
95th General Assembly, 2nd Regular Session
Last Updated September 14, 2010 at 3:14 pm