The Kentucky Senate Agricultural Committee has approved a bill to establish a 14-member livestock standards commission. This allows the bill to be considered by the full senate. According to the committee chairman, David Givens, “the goal is that the conversation will be driven by scientific standards and practical animal care standards and not driven by emotions.”
Richie Farmer, the state’s commissioner of agriculture, indicated that the bill is intended to block efforts of animal rights groups to restrict farming practices. The bill would prevent local governments from passing animal welfare standards that are stricter than those set by the livestock standards commission. Givens said that the bill would not supersede or supplant any environmental regulations.
