Landmark Victories for Animals on Election Day
Thanks to MA and OR Veterinarians for Supporting Farm Animal and Wildlife Protections

The Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association extends our sincere appreciation to the hundreds of veterinary professionals who worked with HSVMA to help advocate for and ensure the success of two key animal welfare ballot measures enacted in the recent November elections. 

In Massachusetts, Question 3, the ballot measure to prevent the extreme confinement of calves raised for veal, breeding pigs and egg-laying hens and require that meat and eggs sold in the state also meet this modest animal welfare and food safety standard, was approved by voters by a landslide margin of 78 to 22 percent. More than 520 Massachusetts veterinarians joined with HSVMA to endorse this measure to prevent farm animal cruelty and promote public safety alongside animal welfare, environmental, labor, food safety, farm and many other community groups.

Massachusetts veterinarians also stepped forward to speak in support of the measure in a variety of venues, including a veterinary op-ed in support that appeared in the Worcester Telegram and Gazette authored by Dr. Ann Marie Greenleaf of the MSPCA-Angell Animal Medical Center and Dr. Edward Schettino of the Animal Rescue League of Boston; a television ad featuring Dr. Susan O'Bell of the MSPCA-Angell Animal Medical Center; letters to the editor including this LTE by HSVMA member Dr. Jenny Maas; and media interviews including this one with the Sentinel News and Enterprise by HSVMA Leadership Council Member Dr. Joann Lindenmayer.

In Oregon, Measure 100, an initiative that will protect 12 endangered species from cruelty and wildlife trafficking, was also passed with a landslide approval of 70 percent of the vote. Approximately 75 veterinarians joined with HSVMA in endorsing this critical wildlife protection measure and, as in Massachusetts, many also were active with other public forms of support such as this letter to the editor by HSVMA Oregon State Representative Dr. Katie Bahr.

Since the public looks to the veterinary profession for guidance on issues pertaining to animal health and welfare, the veterinary profession's involvement in both of these animal welfare ballot measures was critical to ensuring their success. Read more about these and other victories for the animals in the November 2016 election.