The Humane Society of the United States is proceeding toward placing a measure on the 2018 ballot that they claim would improve conditions for dogs raised by commercial breeders in Ohio. The standards would be placed into the Ohio Constitution.

The measure has been reviewed by the Ohio Ballot Board and Ohio Attorney General’s office, which opens the path for HSUS’ petition efforts. Valid signatures from 305,591 registered voters from 44 of Ohio’s 88 counties must be submitted by July 4 in order for the measure to be on the November 2018 ballot.

The proposal sets standards on housing, exercise, food and water, socialization and veterinary care. It also addresses “safe breeding practices” and forbids sale of dogs from any facility not meeting the standards. Hobby breeders appear to be exempt.

The full ballot measure text can be read here.

With a potential ballot measure being almost a year away, Ohio Farm Bureau is taking the time to carefully consider the issue. One early concern is HSUS’ pursuit of a constitutional amendment just a few years after the organization supported new state laws that provide similar regulations.

Labor has always been an issue, mainly because we are a seasonal operation. So that's a challenge finding somebody who only wants to work three months out of a year, sometimes up to six months.
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Mandy Way

Way Farms

Farm Labor Resources
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Ernie Welch

Van Wert County Farm Bureau

Strong communities
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Matt Aultman

Darke County Farm Bureau

Leadership development
Farm Bureau involvement has taught me how to grow my professional and leadership experience outside of the workforce and how to do that in a community-centric way.
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Jaclyn De Candio

Clark County Farm Bureau

Young Ag Professionals program
With not growing up on a farm, I’d say I was a late bloomer to agriculture. I feel so fortunate that I found the agriculture industry. There are so many opportunities for growth.
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Jenna Gregorich

Coshocton County Farm Bureau

Growing our Generation
Knowing that horticulture is under the agriculture umbrella and having Farm Bureau supporting horticulture like it does the rest of ag is very important.
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Jared Hughes

Groovy Plants Ranch

Groovy Plants Ranch
If it wasn't for Farm Bureau, I personally, along with many others, would not have had the opportunity to meet with our representatives face to face in Washington.
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Austin Heil

Hardin County Farm Bureau

Washington, D.C. Leadership Experience
So many of the issues that OFBF and its members are advocating for are important to all Ohioans. I look at OFBF as an agricultural watchdog advocating for farmers and rural communities across Ohio.
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Mary Smallsreed

Trumbull County Farm Bureau

Advocacy