Proposition Yes!

It has officially been proven that Americans, specifically Californians, have fully functionally and compassionate hearts. Proposition 2 has been passed and will be in effect in January 2015. For those of you who have no idea what I'm talking about, Proposition 2 is a new development in the legal system protecting the rights of animals raised for slaughter in California. The law "requires that factory farms provide enough space for animals to stand up, turn around and extend their limbs. It applies to breeding pigs, egg laying hens and veal calves."

Not only was Proposition 2 passed, but it also won the majority vote, demonstrating the true humanity of our California voters. Personally, I am absolutely enthralled by voters enthusiasm and turnout. Proposition 2 is a huge leap in the fight for the proper treatment of animals. I personally would be willing to pay more for eggs, meat and/or dairy products if I was certain that the animals contributing to my diet were well raised and able to live a normal, healthy life. All animals should be treated with dignity and respect, even those raised for human consumption.

The opposition to the law felt that it would be costly to farmers to change their factories to suit the newly required housing of animals. However, I found that it would only cost a penny extra per egg to change these living conditions. One cent. I am willing to pay one, two, even five cents more to help provide innocent animals with the respect they deserve. Another benefit to the new law is the decrease in the likelihood of diseases spreading amongst animals and then passing on to humans during consumption. Diseases such as salmonella are less likely to spread when animals have space and are not forced to be crammed together in their own excrement.

It is truly refreshing to see a law passed benefiting animals. I believe that the worth of people isn't defined by how they treat their equals, but how they treat those under their care. It is easy to treat humans equally, but it is more difficult to treat animals as though they are undeserving of rights or humane treatment. This law signifies what I hope is a change in America. Perhaps Mr. Obama will bring about more animal rights laws with the adoption of his shelter dog. The time of change really is now; it is up to us to enforce and and continue the changes.