Hi John,
The national news outlet Politico just reported on Measure J, the historic factory farm ban that will be on the ballot this November in Sonoma County! The article explains how this first-of-its-kind ballot measure could spread and change the future of the food system. Read the full article here and please also share it on Twitter and Instagram.
"In November, voters will weigh in on a proposal to prohibit large poultry and livestock operations, which activists say are factory farms that pollute the environment and mistreat animals with closely packed confinement. Sonoma would be the first county in the United States to ban such facilities." - Politico
The factory farming industry is on the defense, insisting that they really do care about animals while abusing and killing them. They say it's in their best interest to treat animals well so they produce a lot of milk or eggs, or survive to slaughter. In other words, they're saying they care about animals because they care about profiting off them. I expect most readers will question the sincerity of that notion. I thought this quote about Mike Weber, owner of multiple egg factory farms in Sonoma County, was revealing:
"Weber, who was forced to kill all 550,000 chickens at his main egg-producing facility in December because of an outbreak of bird flu, bristles at accusations that he mistreats animals" - Politico
As the Measure J campaign makes national headlines, it is raising awareness about the cruel reality of factory farms, but perhaps more importantly than that, it is raising new ideas about the bold changes we can make when we come together. While parts of this article seem biased against animal rights activists, we’re happy a national outlet is taking this issue seriously and even reporting that "once-fringe beliefs about animal rights are becoming mainstream."
The public is largely opposed to the abuse of animals in factory farms, but too many people feel there is nothing we can do about it. We have a huge opportunity with this measure to expand the conversation and inspire future action to protect animals, the environment, and public health.
If Measure J passes, it will not only end the abuse of millions of animals every year in Sonoma County, but it will also set a historic precedent. But to give Measure J a real chance at the ballot box, we need your help.
Industry lobbyist groups that oppose Measure J are raising $1.6 million to fight it, and they've already started spreading misinformation about the initiative. Meanwhile, we are relying on volunteers to reach as many of the 300,000 voters of Sonoma County as possible with our message by knocking on doors, making calls, sending texts, etc. Please sign up to volunteer either remotely or in person by filling out the form here.
Let's make factory farming history!
Cassie
