The Oklahoma Farm Bureau Legal Foundation recently donated $5,000 to the Coloradans for Animal Care campaign against Colorado Initiative 16, a citizen-led proposal that would have far-reaching implications for livestock producers across the country.
Headed for the state’s ballot in November 2022, the measure would outlaw proven animal care practices including spaying and neutering, artificial insemination and pregnancy diagnosis, ban the slaughter of animals who have lived less than 25% of their estimated lifespan, and open the door to animal cruelty prosecution for common activities including rodeos, livestock shows and trail rides.
“Colorado Initiative 16 isn’t just concerning for our neighbors in Colorado; it’s a threat to livestock producers everywhere, including in Oklahoma,” said Rodd Moesel, OKFB president. “The proposed measure would devastate Colorado’s beef, dairy, grain and forage sectors, causing widespread impacts on agricultural economies across the region. Farmers and ranchers lead the way in animal care, so it’s important we stand shoulder to shoulder with our fellow producers to protect the critical agriculture industry.”
Coloradans for Animal Care is a coalition formed to oppose the measure and is comprised of agriculture organizations including Colorado Farm Bureau, Colorado Cattlemen’s Association, Colorado Dairy Farmers, Colorado Livestock Association, Colorado Pork Producers Council and Colorado Wool Growers Association.
The group is currently challenging the language of the initiative’s title in the state Supreme Court. If the measure survives the legal challenge, the proponents will be eligible to gather signatures to place the proposed measure on the ballot.
Organizations or individuals interested in helping defeat the measure can donate online at coloradansforanimalcare.com/donate or by mailing a check made out to Coloradans for Animal Care to Colorado Farm Bureau, Re: CFAC, 9177 E. Mineral Cir., Centennial, CO 80112.
