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
Thanks for posting this. My
The wording of Amendment 13
Supreme Court disagreed. Also
Supreme Court disagreed. Also
I have read amendment 13 and
Thank you doctor you words
There are already laws on the
This is idiotic. The fact
the amendment was pushed by
easily verifiable, just look
One of the thing you fail to
sure you did Larry, you'll be
Republican or Democratic ties
Dr Mancinone. The wolf in
The wolf in sheep's clothing
Dr. Mancinone, I have no
cite your sources please....
Some teacher, I'm so sorry, I
8,000 dogs at 11 tracks, many
I also stated in my original
Oops, my list above left off
Hello there “Some teacher”
You could never belong to a
Greyhounds dont need rescuing
Numbers going from 8000 to 11
Gosh, sorry. I already voted
Betty, you've been misled by
Betty, you're correct that I
I see what you scumbags
There are no kickbacks! What
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