Summary:
Proposition 12 establishes new minimum space requirements for certain farmed animals, including veal calves, pregnant pigs, and egg-laying hens. It also requires that egg-laying hens be raised in a cage-free environment after December 31, 2021. The measure follows the passage of Proposition 2 in 2008, which banned the sale of products from animals raised in violation of the minimum animal welfare requirements.
Documents:
Proposition 12 Ballot Measure.pdf (2.69 MB)
CA Voter Guide 2018.pdf (48.9 MB)
According to the California General Election for Tuesday, November 6, 2018 Official Voter Guide, Proposition 12 proposes the following:
- Establishes new minimum space requirements for confining veal calves, breeding pigs, and egg-laying hens.
- Requires egg-laying hens be raised in cage-free environment after December 31, 2021.
- Prohibits certain commercial sales of specified meat and egg products derived from animals confined in noncomplying manner.
- Defines sales violations as unfair competition.
- Creates good faith defense for sellers relying upon written certification by suppliers that meat and egg products comply with new confinement standards.
- Requires State of California to issue implementing regulations
The voter guide (attached as a pdf) outlines the supporting and opposing arguments for the proposal. The guide also includes a visual figure showing the changes in minimum space requirements for the covered animals and when those go into effect. For more, see http://www.voterguide.sos.ca.gov/propositions/12/