California Chicken Cage Law

California Proposition 2 appeared on the Nov. 4, 2008, ballot and read: "Shall certain farm animals be allowed, for the majority of every day, to fully extend their limbs or wings, lie down, stand up and turn around?" The proposition passed, meaning that as of 2015, California state law will prohibit farmers from confining chickens, veal calves and pregnant pigs in enclosures which do not allow them to stand, lie down or extend their legs or wings.

  1. Mission

    • The goal of California's Standards for Confining Farm Animals, as the proposition was named, was to stop what many considered to be animal cruelty: the caging of many animals in cramped and crowded pens. The initiative was sponsored by the Humane Society of the United States and backed by animal rights activists and the California Veterinary Medical Association. Likewise, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AMVA) supported the idea of improving the welfare of chickens and other caged or penned farm animals, but it and other organizations also had some concerns.

    Safety Concerns

    • Chief among the AVMA's worries is that, while it is admirable to want to improve the welfare of chickens and other farm animals, the law may end up doing more harm than good. A press release on the AVMA website states the organization's belief that the changes in housing may lead to animals being more susceptible to disease and injury. The United State Animal Health Association said the chicken cage restrictions could lead to farmers allowing chickens to roam freely outdoors, increasing their exposure to wild birds and other animals. This, they said, may lead to an increased risk of avian influenza, salmonella and other illnesses.

    Economic Effects

    • Groups against the "chicken cage law" argue that it will mean fewer safe, fresh eggs available from California farmers, and consumers will have to look to other states or Mexico for their eggs. They protest that this will lead to the loss of many jobs and drive some California chicken farmers out of business. But they might simply move. Idaho Republican state senator Tim Corder said he would introduce legislation designed to attract California's chicken farmers, and Georgia and Nevada have also reached out with promises of more farmer-friendly laws.

    Proponents

    • Supporters of the law respond to criticisms by saying the proposition provides plenty of time for farmers to come into compliance with the new regulations and that rather than putting consumers at risk, it will actually make them safer. They contend that crowded cages and poor conditions lead to the spread of more diseases, and that factory farms often spread untreated waste on the ground, contaminating soil and waterways. They believe more humane practices will lead to better food quality and safety and say costs will go up only slightly for chicken farmers and consumers.

    Exceptions and Penalties

    • There are exceptions to California's cage law. Rodeos, fairs and 4-H exhibitions will be considered among these exceptions, and the law may also be disregarded in the case of research, veterinary purposes or lawful slaughter. Chickens and other farm animals may also be more closely confined if they are being transported. However, general failure to comply with the new law will lead to misdemeanor penalties. These could include a fine of no more than $1,000 and/or a jail term of up to 180 days.