BOISE, IDAHO – The Idaho Senate approved revamping laws governing large swine and poultry farms, a bill prompted by concern more chicken and egg producers will relocate to Idaho as states like California pass tougher animal-cruelty restrictions, The Associated Press relays. Taken on March 23, the final vote was 24-11, and the measure now moves to the House.
"We would have 10 million chickens in Idaho -- with no regulations [if the bill doesn’t become law]," Sen. Tim Corder, a Republican from Mountain Home, told senators.
Currently, the Department of Environmental Quality oversees large swine and poultry farms. Mr. Corder's bill places these operations under the state Department of Agriculture.