Index
Consumer ProtectionCalifornia, USA

California Proposition 12 (Farm Animal Cruelty)

Summary

Prop 12 bans the extreme confinement of farm animals. It makes it illegal to sell pork, veal, or eggs in California if the animals were raised in cages so small they cannot turn around.

Rights & Rules

  • 01.
    Breeding pigs (sows) must be given at least 24 square feet of usable floor space. They cannot be kept in tiny 'gestation crates.'
  • 02.
    Egg-laying hens must be kept in cage-free housing systems.
  • 03.
    Calves raised for veal must be given at least 43 square feet of floor space.
  • 04.
    CRUCIALLY: This law applies to ALL meat/eggs sold in California, even if the animal was raised on a farm in another state (like Iowa). If a farm wants to sell to the massive CA market, they must upgrade their cages.

Penalties

  • 01.
    Selling non-compliant meat or eggs in California is a misdemeanor, punishable by a $1,000 fine or up to 180 days in jail per violation.

Verified Citations

California Health and Safety Code Section 25990

Source
"A business owner or operator shall not knowingly engage in the sale within the state of... Whole pork meat that the business owner or operator knows or should know is the meat of a covered animal who was confined in a cruel manner..."