Good News To Start 2024: These Laws Are Now in Place To Help Animals

Inscribing the humane treatment of animals into our laws takes years, and so we are heartened by some key measures at the state level taking effect in 2024, which are the result of so much rallying and advocacy, and which will contribute to shaping the humane world we envision.

As of Jan. 1, 2024, California’s Proposition 12, widely considered the world’s strongest law for the protection of farm animals, now enjoys full implementation. This comes after the expiration of a six-month extension that permitted the sale of any remaining noncompliant pork products already in California’s stream of commerce. The law is a win against the practice of extreme confinement of farmed animals, requiring that mother pigs, hens used for eggs and calves raised for veal in California be given at least enough space to stand up, turn around and extend their limbs. The law also bans the in-state sale of pork, eggs and veal produced via extreme confinement. Approved by voters in California with 63% voting in favor in 2018, Proposition 12 has already had a massive effect on safer and more humane products sold in the state.