STATEHOUSE (Feb. 23, 2010) - A measure creating standards for livestock and poultry care practices garnered support this week from Senate lawmakers, according to State Sen. Ed Charbonneau (R-Valparaiso).

House Bill 1099, sponsored by Charbonneau, passed the Senate by a vote of 50-0. Charbonneau said the measure allows the state’s Board of Animal Health (BOAH) to standardize livestock and poultry care practices.

Charbonneau said the Indiana Farm Bureau, Indiana Pork Producers Association, Indiana Poultry Association and the Indiana Grain and Feed Association support the measure.

“Indiana’s Board of Animal Health would be responsible for implementing fair guidelines and considering the best interests of animals, farmers and consumers,” Charbonneau said.

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.

HB 1099 now moves back to the House of Representatives for further consideration.

Sen. Charbonneau represents Senate District 5, which includes Starke County and portions of Porter, LaPorte, Marshall, Jasper, Pulaski, and St. Joseph counties.

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