Freedom in Agriculture Act would Render Proposition B Unconstitutional

A bill currently in the Missouri Legislature would create legal grounds to overturn Proposition B by rendering it unconstitutional under the laws of the State of Missouri. Proposition B created new regulations for dog kennels that opponents say is so overly broad that it could be used to regulate agriculture and that it was a backdoor effort by the HSUS to get their foot in the door. Proposition B was passed by the voters in the 2010 General Election.

The Freedom in Agriculture Act, if passed, would go before the voters in the November 2012 election or at a special election called by the governor for that purpose. The bill would make it the right in the State of Missouri for citizens to grow crops, hunt and fish wildlife, and raise animals in a humane manner without the state imposing an undue economic burden on animal owners. No law regulating the growing of crops, the right to hunt and fish, and the welfare of any animal would be valid under this amendment unless based on generally accepted scientific principles and enacted by the General Assembly or by a state agency through valid statutory authority.

Dogs, among many other animals, are specifically covered under the amendment. "Generally accepted scientific principles" refers to agricultural standards and practices established by the University of Missouri and the most current industry standards and practices. "Undue economic burden" refers to expenses incurred resulting from changes in practices deemed legal under current state or local laws or ordinances.

The bill is scheduled for a hearing by the Rural Community Development Committee of the Missouri House Tuesday, February 15th. Full text of the bill can be found here:

http://house.mo.gov/billtracking/bills111/biltxt/intro/HJR0017I.htm