Ugh...can we have a little more space please.

A while ago I did some volunteer work for the Humane Society...well I am back at it - this time collecting signatures to get a bill on the ballot in November. The Humane Society along with other national and local groups including Humane California are gathering 650,000 signatures that are needed to support a ballot initiative in California. We have until February 22nd and my goal to help them out is to get 500 or more signatures.

“So why am I doing this?” you may ask. Simple, the farm animals are requesting a little bit more space so that they can turn around and stretch their limbs in their cages. Not much is it? This ballot would prevent three of the most inhumane forms of confinement for chickens, pigs and cows, who live in the cruelest housing structures their entire lives:

Battery Cages: These tiny barren cages for egg-laying hens are only as big as a sheet of paper; they are crammed in these wire cages so tightly they can not even spread their wings! Let alone doing what they do naturally: nest, dust bathe, perch and walk. Sadly,19 million hens live this way for more than a year before they are slaughtered.

Gestation Crates: 2-foot-wide metal cages that confine nearly 20,000 breeding pigs in California for most of their lives. These pigs can’t even exercise let alone turn around! Many pigs develop crippling joint disorders and lameness.

Veal Crates: These Baby Calves who would normally still be nursing are taken from their mothers in order to become what we call veal. For the 4 months before they are slaughtered, the calves are tethered by their necks in crates purposefully too narrow for them to turn around or even lie down comfortably. Because they are prevented from engaging in their natural behaviors, or from satisfying basic psychological needs, these calves suffer immensely.

Readers, think how you would feel if you were confined like this...hell I get grouchy when I’m in my own house for too long, but then I have free will to leave. These animals that give their offspring and their lives to nourish us, don’t. They are confined and they deserve a much better life then they are getting now. Frankly, I wish they could all be cage - free and living out in the open world for their entire lives, but this is a start. Acknowledging that this is cruel and inhumane care of animals is the first step. All three of these practices mentioned above have already been legislated against in the European Union. Let’s make California next and be a caring and concerned example for other states to follow.

In the 2008 election you will be able to vote on this measure: The Prevention of Farm Animal Cruelty Act - It’s hard to imagine a more moderate initiative.

So this past weekend I took the initiative. Doug and I were walking Lucy at the park on Saturday and I brought along my sig sheet and everyone we passed we asked for a signature. In about an hour we gathered around 15 or so. I was informed that getting 25/hour was doing great, but I was pleased as it wasn’t very crowded and most people that we met signed. I signed up to meet another volunteer Yesterday to gather signatures out at the Farmer’s Market for 2 hours. I ended up personally getting 112 in the two hours that I was there. I was elated! Not only because I got so many signatures but because so many people knew about this and wanted to sign. Some people would walk right by when I started talking to them not even acknowledging me and then as soon as people heard the words Humane Society and Humane Farming, they would stop, turn around and sign. I also volunteered to stand at the entrance of Trader Joe’s and there I gathered another 30 in and hour and a half. It was a wonderful experience; I was happy to help and I’ll be doing it again this weekend. If any of you are interested in helping out the animals, please check out the websites for the Humane Society and Humane California on how you can get started. There is only 5 weeks left.

Hi Debra: I am disappointed that you will not come fly with us! But you know best..However, sounds like Azza can help you. It sure would be fun. Anyways...Yes, I do live in Oakland. and, still looking forward to hearing from you via email. Contact me and let’s get together....I could use a girls night out.

Hi Daphne: I am excited that you will join us. We just need to hear from Azza her time frame and then you and I can coordinate a time. I’m sure we’ll be talking...Hey happy that you like this...they are really good - next time I’m doubling the recipe :)

Hi Azza: I just saw your PS comment from yesterday...I’ll get back to you in regards to your offer - thanks :)

Readers: First of all...thank you so much for taking an interest in my blog! Because of you and your dedicated reading, I have been approached by some advertisers who would like to advertise on my blog. What are your thoughts? Would you mind seeing advertisements on my blog? If I decide to do this, I will need to move my blog over to another blog service as this venue does not allow me to download advertisers. I will promise that if I do this, it will be seamless and you won’t loose a day. You will be able to see all of the archives too. I look forward to hearing your thoughts, ideas and suggestions.

Thanks!
-Michelle

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Monday, January 14, 2008