July 3, 2013
The Honorable Richard J. Ross
Massachusetts Senate
Massachusetts State Senate
Boston, MA 02133
Dear Senator Ross:
As a constituent, I am writing to urge your support of H.1456, which would
prohibit some of the cruelest, most intensive forms of farm-animal
confinement. This measure is scheduled to be heard by the Joint Committee on
the Judiciary on Tuesday, July 9 at the State House in Boston.
Most animals raised for food are raised on factory farms where they are
packed into spaces so tight that they can barely move. Without the room to
engage in natural behaviors, confined animals experience severe physical and
mental distress. H.1456 would ban some of the cruelest forms of intensive
confinement: battery cages for egg-laying hens, veal crates for calves, and
gestation crates for pregnant pigs.
I urge you to support H.1456 to make Massachusetts a more humane state.
And please help in passing the above bill, H1456, which would prohibit this
farm animal cruelty. Let's use MA as an example to other states that we
will not allow cruelty to animals. I understand about the SNAP program but
unnecessary cruelty is just that...it is horrifiying what these animals have
to go through and if we can ease their pain but eliminating these cages,
then we are decent human beings. They suffer enough; let them have a little
bit of a life. Thank you and I'm praying that you will feel the same as I
do and fight for these animals who are God's creatures just as we are. Mary
E. Steers
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Mary
July 10, 2013
Dear Mary,
Thank you for taking the time to contact me with your support for Senate
Bill 741 and House Bill 1456, An Act to prevent farm animal cruelty,
sponsored by Senator Hedlund and Representative Lewis, respectively. I
appreciate the information you have provided me on these matters.
I understand that the goal of this proposed legislation is to prevent the
confinement of farm animals and to allow them a certain amount of space to
stand up, lie down, turn around and extend their limbs. As a pet owner, I
recognize the importance of providing protection not only for our own
household pets, but all animals of the Commonwealths. As you know, these
bills are currently before the Joint Committee on the Judiciary, and were
addressed at a public hearing on July 9th. As a member of this committee, I
assure you that I will keep your support for these bills in mind as we
examine all proposed legislation.
As always, thank you for sharing your thoughts with me. Please do not
hesitate to contact me with any additional questions.
Sincerely,
Richard J. Ross
State Senator
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