Standards for Confining Farm Animals.
Initiative Statute.

THE QUESTION

Should the law require that farm enclosures housing certain hens, calves, or pigs provide enough room for the animals to lie down, stand, stretch and turn around?

THE SITUATION

Current animal production practices include the use of restrictive enclosures such as “battery cages” for poultry. Less confining methods include “cage free” or “free range.” State law generally prohibits cruelty to animals, without specifying farm animals.

THE PROPOSAL

Proposition 2 would make it a misdemeanor, effective January 1, 2015, to confine veal calves, pregnant pigs, or egg-laying hens so as to interfere with the ability to stand, lie down, turn around and fully extend the limbs. Exceptions are made for research, veterinary treatment, transportation, etc.

FISCAL EFFECT

Costs could increase for farmers needing to change production methods. State and local governments could possibly lose tax revenue of several million dollars annually if higher costs reduce production or profitability, or farmers leave business.

WHAT A YES or No VOTE MEANS

A YES vote means that farm enclosures for certain hens, calves and pigs must provide enough room for the animal to lie down, stand up, and move about.

A NO vote means that current laws relating to these animals will remain unchanged.

SUPPORTERS SAY

• It will improve food safety by outlawing overcrowded conditions that foster the spread of diseases among farm animals.
• This is a moderate, reasonable reform measure that gives the industry ample time to phase it in.

OPPONENTS SAY

• This measure would drive many egg producers out of California, resulting in lost jobs and tax revenue.
• Prop. 2 endangers public health by effectively forcing hens outdoors, where they may contact wild and migratory birds carrying diseases.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Supporters: Yes on Prop 2, Californians for Humane Farms
323-896-1126; www.YesonProp2.org

Opponents: Californians for Safe Food
213-362-9539; http://www.safecaliforniafood.org

For more information from the League of Women Voters and others, see Smart Voter on Proposition 2.

The League of Women Voters of California is a nonpartisan organization committed to informed and active citizen participation in government. All citizens, men and women, of voting age are welcomed to join. The League has two roles, citizen education and advocacy. Our election services are carried out by the League of Women Voters of California Education Fund (LWVCEF) and exclude all advocacy.