California Passed Prop 12 in 2017.
Why is it Still Under Scrutiny?
Proposition 12 ("Prop 12") was a California ballot proposition in that state's general election on November 6, 2018. The measure was self-titled the Prevention of Cruelty to Farm Animals Act.[2] The measure passed, by a vote of about 63% Yes to 37% No.
As of January 1, 2024, California’s Proposition 12 fully took effect, requiring more humane living conditions for egg-laying hens, breeding pigs, and veal calves. It applies to both in-state and out-of-state producers selling in California. Covered entities must register with the California Department of Food and Agriculture, undergo inspections, and maintain records proving compliance. End-users like cottage food operations are exempt.
Despite legal challenges, including a Supreme Court case arguing interstate commerce interference, the law was upheld and enforced. Similar animal welfare laws have also been adopted in other states like Massachusetts, Arizona, Colorado, and Ohio.
Animals Benefiting from Prop 12
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Egg Laying Hens
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Breeding Pig
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Calf
California Voted. It’s the Law.
Yet There’s a Backlash and Movement to Repeal the Prop.
You can make a difference. Request that your meat is Prop 12 Certified and labeled accordingly. It’s our goal for everyone to be educated and understand what California voted for.
Speak Up, it’s Your Food!
Let’s Start with the Basics
The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) and other animal protection groups argued that confining animals in small cages is cruel, and that Prop 12 was needed to improve animal welfare, including by mandating cage-free conditions for egg-laying hens.[7] Prop 12 applies equally to both animals raised in California and those raised elsewhere for the California marketplace.[5] Prop 12 was endorsed by the Center for Food Safety because research indicates that caging farm animals increases the spread of food-borne pathogens like Salmonella.[8]
The following organizations endorsed Proposition 12:
The following newspapers endorsed it:
Against Prop 12
The American Veal Association argued that Prop 12 would create unnecessary regulations and that the veal industry was already well on its way to phasing out crates.[17] Ken Klippen of the National Association of Egg Farmers told Fox News that the measure would take away consumer choice and that the motivation behind the measure was to push consumers towards a vegan diet.[18]
Groups such as PETA opposed the measure because they considered it insufficient.[19]
The following organizations opposed Proposition 12:
The following newspapers opposed it:
Ron Mardesen
