Food & Water Watch Supports California Prop 12 to Prevent Animal Cruelty and Promote Food Safety

California Proposition 12 is a ballot measure that would require that all California egg farms go cage-free by 2022 and house hens with at least a square foot of space per bird. It would also increase space requirements for veal calves and pigs. And Prop 12 would require that all veal, pork and eggs sold in the California come from operations that meet these requirements, no matter where it is raised.

California produces 5 billion eggs a year, and could help set the industry standard for more humane and safe conditions if this proposition passes. Most of the pork and veal consumed in the state comes from animals confined to gestational crates that are so small the animals do not even have room to turn around.

Confining huge numbers of animals in close quarters is not only cruel, it’s unhealthy. It leads to the excessive use of antibiotics to protect against infections and to air and water pollution from the concentrated run off of animal waste.

This Proposition is a step towards more humane, environmentally sound practices. Vote Yes on Prop 12 on November 6!