The U.S. Supreme Court sided with California’s animals and voters by deciding to uphold Proposition 12 (Prop 12) with a 5-4 majority. By ruling in favor of Proposition 12, the US Supreme Court not only cleared the way for the law to take full effect, but it also set a favorable precedent for similar laws being enacted elsewhere to protect animals. feed.
At Animal Equality, we are relieved with the outcome of today’s Supreme Court ruling. As one of the organizations that worked to pass and maintain Proposition 12, we know the importance of this law in protecting domestic animals from serious abuse. It’s good that the US Supreme Court also sees its importance.
–Sharon Núñez, President & Co-Founder of Animal Equality
What is Proposition 12?
Billed as “the strongest farm animal protection law” in the United States, Proposition 12 began as a ballot initiative in California that established basic protections for farm animals. factory farms. After nationwide efforts by animal activists and a coalition of animal rights organizations including Animal Equality, Proposition 12 was passed in 2018 with an overwhelming 63 percent of the vote.
Officially titled the “Farm Animal Cruelty Prevention Act,” Proposition 12 sets minimum space requirements for hens, pigs, and calves, most of which are typically confined to cages are so small that they cannot turn or move for most of their lives. By law, certain egg, pork, and veal products sold in California, including products imported from other states, must be manufactured in compliance with these requirements.
Hens kept in cages on farms were unable to spread their wings or exhibit natural behaviors such as dusting or perching, while pigs could not even raise their chicks or turn around. As a result, the animals suffered greatly both mentally and physically inside cages that were only larger than their bodies.
Animal rights groups and animal welfare scientists have challenged animal rights groups and animal welfare scientists for years.
…the tight confinement of [female pigs]…is one of the most extreme examples of cruelty to animals. It continues for most of life and is far worse than brutally beating an animal or most lab experiments.
–Donald M. Broom, Professor of Animal WelfareFaculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge
After reviewing the literature, visiting production facilities, and listening to the producers themselves, the Commission believes that the most stringent confinement systems…prevent animals from their normal and constitutive range of movement. inhumane treatment.
–Pew Committee about Industrial livestock farm
Proposition 12 not only protects animals but also protects human health. The Center for Food Safety endorsed Proposition 12 based on studies showing a link between animal confinement and foodborne illnesses such as E. Coli and Salmonella. Studies also show that extreme confinement facilitates life-threatening pandemics such as bird flu, swine flu, and COVID-19.
By passing Proposition 12, California joins 13 other US states banned one or all forms of extreme animal confinement, including: Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Kentucky, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nevada, Ohio, Oregon, Rhode Island, Utah and Washington.
Why did Prop 12 make it to the Supreme Court?
In September 2021, The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) and the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) filed a lawsuit against to bring their case against Proposition 12 before the Supreme Court of the United States. These organizations argue that Proposition 12 violates the Constitution’s Commerce Clause, limiting states’ ability to regulate commerce beyond their borders.
Shortly after the pork industry lawsuit was filed, Animal Equality joined the lawsuit as an intervening party, to help defend the law against industry assault.
Several months after the NPCC and AFBF petitions were approved in March 2022, The Biden administration briefed the pork industry.
The summary claims California “has no legitimate interest in protecting the welfare of animals outside the state,” citing an earlier Supreme Court decision. The summary goes on to say, “Voters in pork-producing States must determine what constitutes ‘cruel’ treatment of domestic animals in those States — not voters in California,” citing the 1935 Supreme Court decision, Baldwin sued GAF Seelig Inc.
The U.S. Supreme Court finally heard oral arguments this past October from those opposed and in favor of maintaining Proposition 12.
Despite objections, The Supreme Court today announced the decision to uphold Proposition 12, and the vote of Californians against excessive confinement of farm animals. The decision came with a 5-4 majority. Chief Justice John Roberts and Judges Samuel Alito, Brett Kavanaugh and Ketanji Brown Jackson disagreed.
By upholding the constitutionality of California’s Proposition 12, the U.S. Supreme Court has taken a stance that protects the rights of states (and their voters) to set animal welfare standards. for products sold within their borders. This ruling has huge implications for animals and for those who advocate for their meaningful protections under the law. We are delighted with the Court’s decision today.
–Sarah Hanneken, Legal Counsel for Animal Equality
Join efforts to protect animals from harsh confinement
While laws play an important role in protecting domestic animals, the future of caged animals ultimately depends on consumers.
By replacing meat, dairy, and eggs with plant-based foods, consumers send a clear message to corporations that animal abuse will not be tolerated nor funded.
Fortunately, adopting a cruelty-free lifestyle is more convenient than ever. You can join the millions of Americans who have rushed in, rest assured that you are saving lives from suffering with every bite of yours.
FINDING FINDING CHARACTERISTICS
Pigs are highly social animals and are often considered to be more intelligent than dogs. You can protect these intelligent animals by choosing plant-based alternatives.
