Governor signs livestock bill

COLUMBUS — Gov. Ted Strickland has signed into law legislation creating the voter-approved Livestock Care Standards Board.

House Bill 414 was passed by lawmakers last week as an emergency measure, meaning it took effect immediately Wednesday after Strickland added his signature.

Ohio voters approved a constitutional amendment in November creating the board, which will meet at least three times each year to establish standards for livestock care for hogs, cows, sheep, goats, poultry and llamas.

The Ohio Department of Agriculture will administer the process and investigate complaints of livestock mistreatment. Farmers who violate the rules will face civil penalties.

Now that the new law has been finalized, Strickland next will appoint 10 members to the board, who will play host to a series of public hearings around the state to give farmers, scientists and others involved in agriculture a chance to comment on the new livestock care standards.