The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) funded group, Ohioans for Humane Farms, has submitted a petition to the Ohio Attorney General’s office for the addition of an anti-cruelty measure on this November’s ballot.

According to HSUS, the measure would require the newly formed Ohio Livestock Care Standards Board to “adopt certain minimum standards that will prevent the cruel and inhumane treatment of farm animals, enhance food safety, protect the environment and strengthen Ohio family farms.”

Specifically it is designed to end the extreme confinement of veal calves, breeding pigs and egg-laying hens. Additionally the legislation would work toward ending the use of “downer cows” in the food supply and to promote more humane methods of euthanasia.

The new minimum requirements would be implemented over a six year time frame allowing Ohio farmers to adapt to the changes gradually.

If the ballot language is accepted by the secretary of state, Ohioans for Humane Farms will begin its efforts to collect 600,000 signatures.