You may recall that Governor-of-the-moment Ted Strickland brokered a deal last summer between the U.S. Humane Society and its opponents at the Ohio Farm Bureau that helped dodge a contentious ballot initiative for 2011. The pact called for humane euthanasia, elimination of restrictive pens, and removal of sick animals from the meat supply, in addition to tougher rules against puppy mills. [See “Having a Cow,” June 16, 2010; and “Breeding Contempt,” July 21, 2010.]
The agreement saved both sides from an expensive campaign, but advocates worry that the fight might soon be on again. Newly elected John Kasich, who will take over the governor’s chair in January, has already shown a disinclination to work with groups he doesn’t agree with. The assumption among insiders is that Kasich will side with happy businessmen over happy cows.
