2018 VOTER GUIDE: A look at California's Proposition 12: Farm animal confinement initiative
In the November election, California voters will decide on 11 propositions. Here's everything you need to know about Proposition 12.
PROPOSITION 12:
Establishes new standards for confinement of specified farm animals; bans sale of noncomplying products. Initiative statute.
SUMMARY:
A "YES" vote would ban sale of meat and eggs produced from animals that are kept in areas below a specified number of square feet.
HOW DID IT GET ON MY BALLOT:
Supporters of Prop. 12 obtained enough signatures of registered California Voters to qualify it as a ballot measure. It would take effect in 2020.
For example, Prop. 12 would require calves raised for veal to be confined in an area larger than 43 square feet.
Egg-laying hens must have more than 1 square foot of space
MAJOR BACKERS:
Prevent Cruelty California, The Humane Society of the United States, San Francisco Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SFSPCA), Marin Humane Society, Sierra Club California, The Center For Food Safety, California Democratic Party, more than 100 family farmers, and more than 600 California veterinarians and vet clinics.
MAJOR OPPONENTS:
Association of California Egg Farmers & National Pork Producers Council. Three animal rights organizations: The Humane Farming Association, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), and Friends of Animals also oppose it. They accuse the Humane Society of colluding with the United Egg Producers.*
IMPACT TO TAXPAYERS:
Potential decrease in sales tax revenue from farms. California could face an additional cost (tens of millions of dollars) to enforce the new regulations.
Take a look at full coverage on the 2018 election here.
*NOTE: All information regarding donations as backers or opponents of a ballot measure reflects financial disclosures made to California's Secretary of State as of September 7, 2018.
