Karen, my wonderful wife, likes protecting animals. She has been working hard on a California ballot initiative that would ban certain types of crates for egg-laying hens, veal, and pregnant pigs. I have never seen her work so hard on anything. She spends every free moment on this project that is so very important to her.
I saw her stand countless hours in front of stores collecting signatures, all by herself. Most people were at least nice, if not helpful. Some people were just plain mean. But she would keep standing and keep collecting.
She attends meeting after meeting and is extremely active in the Humane California campaign. She maintains vegetarian literature stands around the county, she donates every little thing in our house to animal charities (I am no longer allowed to throw things out, and often I see items I did throw away sitting in her charity pile – I guess she digs through our trash sometimes?). She even collects bottles and cans and donates the funds to the campaign, not just at home but also at work.
She has changed her lifestyle drastically, practicing what she preaches. And while I am sometimes slower to adapt, I don’t mind because I know how important animals are to her. And, if I think about it, she is right: animals deserve our respect and they deserve better treatment.
The result of Karen’s work is California’s 2008 Proposition 2:
Proposition 2 – Treatment of Farm Animals. Statute.
Requires 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. Exceptions made for transportation, rodeos, fairs, 4-H programs, lawful slaughter, research and veterinary purposes. Provides misdemeanor penalties, including a fine not to exceed $1,000 and/or imprisonment in jail for up to 180 days. Summary of estimate by Legislative Analyst and Director of Finance of fiscal impact on state and local government: Probably minor local and state enforcement and prosecution costs, partly offset by increased fine revenue.
Please vote YES on Prop 2 this November.
Proposition 2 is a moderate measure that stops cruel and inhumane treatment of animals — ending the practice of cramming farm animals into cages so small the animals can’t even turn around or stretch their limbs. It’s supported by the Humane Society of the United States, Center for Food Safety, and the California Veterinary Medical Association.
Voting YES on Proposition 2 prevents animal cruelty, promotes food safety, supports family farmers, and protects the environment.
I don’t know who I’m prouder of, you or your wife. She sounds like a wonderful woman, and you sound like a wonderful husband. Thank you for your commitment to making this world a more beautiful, humane place.
I work with Karen everyday, and she is one of the most passionate women I’ve known. Her dedication in this is just inspiring. How she lives has even rubbed off on the way I live my own life.
And, you’re a pretty awesome husband for this entry.
I am so proud of Karen and you Michael. You are two of the most thoughtful people and a joy to be around. Her dedication and hard work are to be commended. You both have my love and support.
I don’t know Karen or Michael, but am well aware of the Prevention of Farm Animal Cruelty Act. Because of her work and others like her–and yes–the support of their families, the unsuspecting public is becoming more aware of the atrocities of factory farming.