U.S. District Court Upholds Proposition 12 for Farm Animals - National Humane Education Society
Paws Up! To Federal District Court of Appeals for upholding Proposition 12 to protect farm animals.
October 22, 2020
The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals upheld their ruling last Thursday that California’s Proposition 12 does not violate the commerce clause, much to the chagrin of the North American Meat Institute (NAMI). Proposition 12, or the Prevention of Cruelty to Farm Animals Act, prohibits farmers from keeping pigs, hens, and calves confined in cages or pens too small to turn around in, a problem that has been plaguing the animal industry for decades. The new law also prohibits the selling of out-of-state meat and eggs in California unless the companies adhere to the new standards.
NAMI appealed to the Ninth Circuit Court late last year claiming that the new measure violates the commerce clause by restricting commerce across state lines. However, the Court upheld their decision last week after review, deciding that the law does not burden interstate commerce.
Take Action: Because meat, dairy, and egg producers are focused on maximizing production and minimizing costs, most times the animals suffer the consequences. Please support legislation like Proposition 12 that aim to protect the welfare of farmed animals. To learn more about the plight of factory farmed animals, click here.
