Farmers, Activists at Odds Over Animal Treatment

LANSING, Mich. (AP) - Michigan farmers and animal rights advocates are fighting over the treatment of farm animals, and the conflict ultimately may be decided by voters.

The farm lobby is backing bipartisan legislation in Lansing that would put into law ag industry guidelines for the health and welfare of farm animals. Farmers and lawmakers say most farms treat animals well but a law is need to nab bad actors.

Animal welfare activists see the proposed rules as too lenient.

So the Humane Society of the United States is considering a 2010 ballot initiative making sure calves, pigs and chickens housed in confined spaces have enough room to stand up, lie down, turn around and extend their limbs.

Farming organizations oppose the idea and say animals shouldn't be equated with humans.