Current Press Releases

Millions of Misappropriated Federal Dollars Temporarily Put On Hold, Won't Be Spent on Anti-Prop 2 Ads

SAN FRANCISCO (August 21, 2008) – Yes on Prop. 2 – Californians for Humane Farms, the proponents of an anti-cruelty ballot initiative that will provide more humane treatment of California farm animals, announced today that millions of advertising dollars slated to be spent by the federal government and agribusiness giants campaigning against Prop. 2 have been put on hold while a federal court decides whether the advertising violates federal law.

Under an agreement the Yes on Prop 2 campaign reached with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the American Egg Board (AEB), filed last night in federal court in San Francisco, no federally-funded print, television, or radio advertisements will run in California for at least one month while the court considers the Yes on Prop 2 campaign's request for an injunction.

"Agribusiness firms are already spending millions to defeat Proposition 2, and they hardly needed an illegal infusion of check-off funds authorized by the USDA to supplement their political campaign," said Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of The Humane Society of the United States. "There is no reason this advertising campaign must run in California between now and the election, unless its true purpose is to illegally influence voter opinions."

Prop 2 will prohibit the most abusive factory farming practices in California and ensure modest animal welfare standards for farm animals by allowing them simply to turn around and extend their limbs.

Earlier this week, Yes on Prop 2 filed a motion for a temporary restraining order against USDA Secretary Ed Schafer and the AEB to prevent up to $3 million in federal checkoff funds from being used to unlawfully influence voter opinion in the state election. As a federal commodity promotion program, the AEB is strictly prohibited from expending any checkoff program funds "for the purpose of influencing governmental policy or action." 7 U.S.C. § 2707(h).

The Yes on Prop 2 campaign is a broad and diverse coalition of animal protection groups, family farmers, veterinarians and public health professionals. The coalition boasts a long list of endorsements from leading organizations including the California Veterinary Medical Association, Sierra Club, Center for Food Safety, California Democratic Party, Consumer Federation of America, Defenders of Wildlife, Union of Concerned Scientists, Cesar Chavez Foundation and dozens of others. Notable individuals who have endorsed Prop. 2 include U.S. Senators Barbara Boxer and Dianne Feinstein, state schools chief Jack O'Connell; Mayors Antonio Villaraigosa (Los Angeles), Gavin Newsom (San Francisco), and Heather Fargo (Sacramento); Democratic and Republican legislative and congressional representatives; more than 700 California veterinarians, nearly 100 California family farmers, more than 300 California small business owners, and the leaders of more than 80 California church congregations.

To learn more about the Yes on Prop. 2 – Californians for Humane Farms campaign, visit YESonProp2.com.

Farm Sanctuary is the nation's leading farm animal protection organization. Since incorporating in 1986, Farm Sanctuary has worked to expose and stop cruel practices of the "food animal" industry through research and investigations, legal and institutional reforms, public awareness projects, youth education, and direct rescue and refuge efforts. Farm Sanctuary shelters in Watkins Glen, N.Y., and Orland, Calif., provide lifelong care for hundreds of rescued animals, who have become ambassadors for farm animals everywhere by educating visitors about the realities of factory farming. Additional information can be found at www.farmsanctuary.org or by calling 607-583-2225.