STATEHOUSE (Feb. 15, 2010) - A key Senate committee unanimously endorsed a bill today that would help promote the care and well-being of livestock and poultry, according to State Sen. Randy Head (R-Logansport).

Members of the Senate Committee on Energy and Environmental Affairs passed House Bill 1099, sponsored by Head, by a vote of 8-0. Head said the measure allows the state’s Board of Animal Health (BOAH) to standardize livestock and poultry care practices.

Head said the Indiana Farm Bureau, Indiana Pork Producers Association, Indiana Poultry Association and the Indiana Grain and Feed Association testified in support of the measure.

“Indiana’s Board of Animal Health is well-positioned to handle this task,” Head said. “Those involved believed the board would implement fair guidelines and would take into account the best interests of animals, farmers and consumers. If this legislation passes, it will put Indiana on the national forefront of animal care.”

Currently, state law does not include standards for Hoosier farmers to follow. Under the proposed bill, the BOAH would base guidelines on research and generally accepted farming practices.

“I believe this bill helps give Indiana’s agricultural community representation and a voice in how to standardize livestock and poultry care practices,” Head said.

House Bill 1099 now moves to the full Senate for consideration.

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Head represents Senate District 18, which includes Cass, Fulton, Kosciusko, Miami, Pulaski and Wabash Counties.