Californians Make History by Banning Veal Crates, Battery Cages, and Gestation Crates |
 |
November 4, 2008
| |
 |
| |
©iStockphoto |
| |
Thousands of volunteers, donors, and voters gave an avalanche of support to Prop 2. |
Voters in California approved an historic ballot measure to halt the inhumane confinement of animals on factory farms—by an overwhelming margin.
Wayne Pacelle, President and CEO of The Humane Society of the United States, said, "California voters have taken a stand for decency and compassion and said that the systemic mistreatment of animals on factory farms cannot continue. All animals deserve humane treatment, including animals raised for food."
As of 11 p.m. Pacific time, Proposition 2 was ahead by 62 to 38 percent.(Nov. 5 Update: 63.3 to 36.7 percent.)
Space To Move
Proposition 2 ends the practice of confining certain animals raised for food in crates and cages so small the animals can barely move. Prop 2 requires that factory farms provide enough space for animals to stand up, turn around and extend their limbs. It applies to breeding pigs, egg laying hens and veal calves.
Prop 2 goes into effect in January of 2015, giving factory farms six years to shift to different housing systems.
The Yes! on Prop 2 campaign received donations from 25,000 individual contributors across the country. Thousands of volunteers worked to collect signatures, distribute campaign literature, and rallied to get out the vote for Prop 2.
Prop 2 attracted support from a broad coalition of organizations and leaders, including the California Veterinary Medical Association, United Farm Workers, State Humane Association of California, the Center for Food Safety, and the Consumer Federation of America, to name a few.
The opponents of Proposition 2, agribusiness companies from throughout the nation, spent $9 million to try to defeat the ballot initiative.
Updated Nov. 5, 2008
Related Links
Working for Prop 2 Shows Volunteer That Change Is Coming
Support for California Anti-Cruelty Initiative Snowballs
Legal Petition Filed to Stop San Diego Area Egg Farm from Releasing Tainted Water
Mutts Ado About Farm Animals
