St. Louis mayor draws flak for Right to Farm call

ST. LOUIS -- Some animal rights activists are criticizing St. Louis Mayor Francis Slay over his last-minute appeal to voters in support of the state's Right to Farm constitutional amendment.

The amendment to the Missouri Constitution passed in Tuesday's election by just over 2,500 votes out of nearly 1 million ballots cast. Opponents are considering whether to seek a recount.

The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported Slay recorded an automated phone message to voters in the city and St. Louis County saying the amendment would "keep food costs affordable for all Missourians."

The Missouri Alliance for Animal Legislation is among the groups criticizing the mayor's stance in a city where nearly three-fourths of primary voters opposed the amendment. Slay has long enjoyed the support of animal rights groups in the city.

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Information from: St. Louis Post-Dispatch, http://www.stltoday.com