Language OK’d for Ohio livestock vote

COLUMBUS (AP) — A proposed constitutional amendment that would require minimum standards for housing Ohio farm animals has passed a preliminary hurdle.

Ohio Attorney General Richard Cordray approved a written summary of the amendment Friday in a step needed before petition signatures can be gathered toward getting the measure on the ballot.

Cordray says the summary is a fair and truthful statement about the proposed amendment, which would require a state board to prevent the cruel and inhumane treatment of farm animals.

The potential vote sets up a fight between the agriculture industry and animal-rights activists intent on outlawing what they say are cramped cages for chickens and hogs.

Ohioans last year approved a farm industry-backed amendment that created a livestock board to oversee animal standards.

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