What constitutes the proper and ethical treatment of animals has evolved substantially over the last few decades and, inevitably, will continue to change as people better understand the animals end up as food on our plates.

 

A decade ago, California residents voted overwhelmingly to free the state’s millions of egg-laying hens from cages so tiny and cramped that the birds could not stand up, spread their wings or turn around. The approved measure, Proposition 2, banned California farmers from housing their hens in battery cages, starting in 2015. It also banned cramped crates for gestating pigs and veal calves. The California Legislature later passed a law mandating that out-of-state egg farmers comply with the same requirements on any of their hens laying eggs for sale in this state.

 

But the ballot measure specified only that hens be given enough space to move around. As a result, most farmers simply refitted their barns with larger colony cages. Proposition 12, on the ballot this November, requires that eggs being sold in California come from cage-free hens by the beginning of 2022.

 

Dubbed the Prevention of Cruelty to Farm Animals Act, Proposition 12 specifies how much barn floor space a hen should get and the types of cage-free layouts that are acceptable. The measure also requires that hens have nest boxes and perches for flying to and from.

 

Proposition 2 moved animal welfare standards one step forward, Proposition 12 moves them an important step further.

 

(Questions? Please contact Victoria Brandon <vbrandon@lakelive.info>)