People concerned about treatment of farm animals - and upcoming ballot measure - invited to speak at hearing Friday

Residents concerned about the treatment of farm animals are invited to speak at a public hearing Friday morning from 9:30 a.m. to noon at the Board of Supervisors chambers, 1055 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

The hearing will focus on Proposition 2 on the Nov. 4 ballot, titled “Confinement of Farm Animals.”

Proposition 2 would require that an enclosure or tether confining specified farm animals allow the animals, for the majority of every day, to fully extend their limbs or wings, lie down, stand up, and turn around.

Specified animals include calves raised for veal, egg-laying hens, and pregnant pigs.

The proposition makes exceptions for transportation, rodeos, fairs, 4-H programs, lawful slaughter, research, and veterinary purposes.

Violations would result in misdemeanor penalties, including a fine not to exceed $1,000 and/or imprisonment in jail for up to 180 days.

Sen. Abel Maldonado, who announced the hearing on Thursday, will co-chair with Assemblywoman Nicole Parra.

California election law requires the Legislature to hold joint hearings on upcoming ballot propositions. The hearing will take testimony for and against Proposition 2.

For more information, call the Senate Agriculture Committee, (916) 651-1508.

-Bob Cuddy