March 21, 2001

Dear Commissioner Brown,

It was recently brought to my attention that the NJ Department of Agriculture is presently involved in setting new standards of humane treatment for farm animals as a result of a statute enacted by the Legislature.

In this regard, I would like to express my support for the enactment of strong restrictions relating to standards for the "humane raising, keeping, care, treatment, marketing, and sale of domestic livestock." Such standards would have far-reaching effects on animal welfare, jobs, clean water, and the environment as a whole. Notwithstanding, I hope that New Jersey can play a key role in improving farm animal welfare by establishing substantive new standards throughout the state.

Thank you in advance for your consideration in this matter. Should you have any questions or wish to discuss this further, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Very truly yours,
Reed Gusciora