Ballot Question 3 in Massachusetts seems like a simple question about the treatment of local farm animals. So far, it has been the least controversial of the four statewide ballot questions, attracting strong support in a WBUR poll and a long list of prominent endorsements, including one from The Boston Globe.
We strongly support the animal welfare objectives of Question 3, but the more we learn about the measure, the more harmful we find its unintended consequences are likely to be.
The measure would improve conditions for millions of animals across the U.S., offering a welcome victory for the national animal rights community. Unfortunately that would come at the cost of unknown and potentially large increases in the cost of a nutritious staple food used disproportionately by low-income families.
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