Proposition 2, passed in California in November, is requiring that farmers transition to more humane and environmentally friendly farm practices. This means no longer cramming animals into small cages where there is no room for them to move or stretch.
The official title and summary of Prop 2, as prepared by the Attorney General, states that it:
The official title and summary of Prop 2, as prepared by the Attorney General, states that it:
“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.
Exceptions made for transportation, rodeos, fairs, 4-H programs, lawful slaughter, research and veterinary purposes.
Provides misdemeanor penalties, including a fine not to exceed $1,000 and/or imprisonment in jail for up to 180 days.”
Some are arguing whether the bill really makes a difference to the treatment of hens. Hens in commercial cage-free farms are just as crammed, but in filthy sheds. They are still subjected to having their beaks cut off with hot blades.
“They suffer from the same lung lesions and ammonia burns as hens in cages, and they have breast blisters to add their suffering”, according GoVeg.com, a website allied with PETA, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals.
PETA, which claims Prop 2 does not make much of a difference, was actually one of the animal rights agencies that endorsed the bill.
The truth is that this bill does make a huge difference. To those hens, the difference of being able to stretch and move around is certainly an improvement for them.
To clarify, cage-free does not imply “cruelty-free”. But for one thing, it is a step in the right direction. Other states should follow in California’s direction. From that point on, there must be a push for even more legislation that would further improve treatment for farm hens.
Exceptions made for transportation, rodeos, fairs, 4-H programs, lawful slaughter, research and veterinary purposes.
Provides misdemeanor penalties, including a fine not to exceed $1,000 and/or imprisonment in jail for up to 180 days.”
Some are arguing whether the bill really makes a difference to the treatment of hens. Hens in commercial cage-free farms are just as crammed, but in filthy sheds. They are still subjected to having their beaks cut off with hot blades.
“They suffer from the same lung lesions and ammonia burns as hens in cages, and they have breast blisters to add their suffering”, according GoVeg.com, a website allied with PETA, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals.
PETA, which claims Prop 2 does not make much of a difference, was actually one of the animal rights agencies that endorsed the bill.
The truth is that this bill does make a huge difference. To those hens, the difference of being able to stretch and move around is certainly an improvement for them.
To clarify, cage-free does not imply “cruelty-free”. But for one thing, it is a step in the right direction. Other states should follow in California’s direction. From that point on, there must be a push for even more legislation that would further improve treatment for farm hens.
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