Proposition 2 Ends Close Confinement for Many Farm Animals
Proposition 2, which does not take effect until 2015, “requires that calves raised for veal, egg-laying hens and pregnant pigs be confined only in ways that allow these animals to lie down, stand up, fully extend their limbs and turn around freely.” Failure to comply will carry “misdemeanor penalties, including a fine not to exceed $1,000 and/or imprisonment in jail for up to 180 days.”
Proposition 2 was backed by the Humane Society, the California Veterinary Medical Association, and the state Democratic Party. It was opposed by large California egg farmers and the American College of Poultry Veterinarians, who claimed the measure would be an economic disaster for California egg farmers.
Proposition 2 will affect California egg farmers most, because the state has few veal producers and the largest California pork producer already plans to eliminate small crates voluntarily.
Will Proposition 2 Lead to Higher Prices, Fewer Egg Farmers in California?
Forcing California egg farmers to retrofit their operations could increase production costs by an estimated 20 percent, according to a study by the UC Davis Agricultural Issues Center, but those costs are unlikely to be passed on to consumers. Out-of-state farmers, who already supply a third of the eggs consumed in California, are not affected by the law.
The report also warns that one possible outcome of the new law could be the gradual demise of the California egg industry. But Paul Shapiro, who runs factory farming anti-cruelty efforts for the Humane Society of the United States, disagrees. He told the Los Angeles Times that other states are sure to follow California’s lead and pass similar laws, which will lead consumers and major retailers to demand that egg and meat producers nationwide treat animals more humanely.
“There won’t be a dislocation issue,” Shapiro said.
