As a veterinarian, I’ve spent my entire career caring for the health and wellness of animals. I’ve seen firsthand how farmers, horse breeders and pet owners care for their animals. I’ve also seen firsthand the impact of neglect and abuse on animals. This November, I plan to vote no on Amendment 13.
Amendment 13 is a Trojan Horse. While it appears to be an amendment to simply end dog racing, the fine print you won’t see on the ballot could have devastating consequences on Florida’s family farms.
Activists behind the amendment have openly declared their desire to remove meat, dairy and eggs from our diets. These same activists have said they are on a mission to end hunting everywhere. And they’re making progress. Animal rights activists have passed 30 measures through Congress and more than 1,100 regulations in the states.
Now, their target is Florida.
Amendment 13 declares “the humane treatment of animals is a fundamental value of the people of the State of Florida.” This type of vague, undefined declaration in Florida’s Constitution will be exploited by activist groups to bring lawsuits against family farms, equine enthusiasts and sportsmen.
Their efforts to end animal agriculture will devastate the family businesses that produce the food we feed our own families. We’ll be forced to import more food from countries that have lesser standards for the care of their animals. With businesses forced to close and higher prices at the supermarket, Florida’s economy will take a hit.
Don’t let this Trojan Horse find its way into Florida’s Constitution. A “No” on 13 is a vote against extreme activists with hidden agendas.
Dr. Liz Steele is a veterinarian in Zolfo Springs, a member of the Florida Farm Bureau and a member of the executive committee for the Florida Cattlemen’s Association.
Comments
I owned two racing greyhounds
Absolutely voting YES on this
Yes! Excellent points! Thank
You obviously have never seen
Unfortunately, there are
So are you saying that cows
Absolutey. Many are reading
There are farther reaching
If anyone thinks that a yes
If YES wins the vote it gives
No, the state will force them
Looks like you are a lobbyist
You may be a veterinarian but
Well, since you are an
I cannot seem to source the
Thank you for your insightful
The purpose of Florida's
A no vote for amendment 9
Well put - Most seem
"The only thing necessary for
we need open transparency on
All these amendments are so
All this is driving me nuts.
I have decided that I am not
Karen, please vote against
you are an idiot for not
and that is exactly how trump
Do not abdicate exercising
The amendment process takes
I agree! Vote No on all
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