And you thought...

the new law in California was bad! A new law was passed in November giving farm animals more space to move around. My roommate Kat comes from Fresno and says that this new law will have a huge fiscal impact on both the farmers and the consumers. It will cost the farmers more to buy extra space for the animals and will reduce their efficiency in caring for the animals. Also, the need for extra room means that some meat sources will be reduced, since you can only have so many animals in a certain space, and space is limited. As a result, prices in the grocery store will go up (go stock up on chicken now!). I'm all for being kind to animals, but I think this is taking it a little far. Any way, all that to say, the new law is not as bad as a few laws passed recently in a few European countries.

Dad was so excited to tell me about a certain article, that he saved it from the paper yesterday and read it to me when I came home from house-sitting. I went on-line and found the related article (so I wouldn't have to type the whole thing ;) ).

Switzerland grants sweeping new rights to animals
Strict new laws that went into effect across Switzerland on Sept. 1 have some wondering if legislators have overreached in efforts to safeguard the animal kingdom.
It is now illegal to flush live goldfish down the toilet. The law stipulates that they must first be knocked out and killed before being disposed of.
Fishermen may no longer practice catch-and-release fishing, and the use of live bait is prohibited.
Pets such as parrots and hamsters may no longer be kept by themselves, and livestock such as sheep and goats must have at least “a visual contact with their fellows,” under the new 175- page law.
Dog owners are now required to take classes to learn how to keep their pets from biting.
Even with regulations saying that pigs have the legal right to shower and freshen up after rolling in mud, the country’s leading animal rights group, STS, says the new law doesn’t go far enough.
http://www.earthweek.com/2009/ew090102/ew090102m.html

Poor little animals...next thing you know, animals will be allowed to buy houses, and you will have a crocodile for a neighbor. Don't let your kids play outside without supervision!!!