Humane Society says Ohio veal rule threatens deal

COLUMBUS (AP) — A major animal rights group is threatening to try again for a ballot issue against animal cruelty because of a new rule on the treatment of veal calves.

Humane Society of the United States President Wayne Pacelle says the standard approved Wednesday by the Ohio Livestock Care Standards Board would allow the animals to be kept in crates too small for them to turn around.

Pacelle says in a statement that the board’s 7-5 vote jeopardizes last year’s agreement reached between the Humane Society, Ohio agriculture businesses and then-Gov. Ted Strickland. The deal led the Humane Society to give up a ballot campaign.

Ohio Agriculture Director Jim Zehringer tells The Columbus Dispatch the vote could change after a public comment period that ends next month.