Ohioans for Humane Farms, Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland, The Humane Society of the United States, and the Ohio Farm Bureau agreed to implement a broad range of important animal welfare reforms in the state.
- A ban on veal crates within six years, which is the same timing as the ballot measure;
- A ban on new gestation crates after Dec. 31, 2010. Existing facilities are grandfathered, but must cease use of these crates within 15 years;
- A moratorium on permits for new battery cage confinement facilities for laying hens. This prevents a planned six-million-bird battery cage complex from moving in;
- A ban on strangulation of farm animals and mandatory humane euthanasia methods for sick or injured animals;
- A ban on the transport of downer cows for slaughter;
- Enactment of legislation establishing felony-level penalties for cockfighters;
- Enactment of legislation cracking down on puppy mills; and
- Enactment of a ban on the acquisition of dangerous exotic animals as pets, such as primates, bears, lions, tigers, large constricting and venomous snakes, crocodiles and alligators.
The agreement was applauded by the major groups leading the signature drive: The Humane Society of the United States, Farm Sanctuary, and Mercy For Animals. The reaction from agribusiness groups has been more mixed, with some groups lamenting the agreemen
