SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Pork sold in California will soon have to adhere to Proposition 12, which prohibits extreme confinement of farm animals, including gestation crates. This law, passed in 2018, has already impacted egg-laying hens and veal calves. While some animal rights advocates applaud the law, others argue that it still allows for other forms of animal cruelty in the pork industry. The U.S. Supreme Court upheld states’ rights to regulate the meat industry, despite appeals from the pork industry.
At the same time, the fight over animal welfare has shifted to Congress, where lawmakers are considering the EATS Act, which seeks to invalidate many states’ agriculture and food safety laws. Proponents argue that the act is necessary to streamline interstate commerce, while opponents believe it will undermine crucial animal welfare and public health laws.
Meanwhile, in Wisconsin, the Alliance for Animals is urging people to consider vegan options for holiday meals. The organization contends that vegan diets are not just a “fringe” option, and that there are numerous alternatives to traditional holiday meals that can still please family and guests. The debate over agricultural practices and animal welfare has also reached the 2023 Farm Bill, with concerns that the proposed EATS Act could jeopardize states’ abilities to regulate their farming practices.
In response to the increasing frequency of heat waves in the Midwest, animal rights advocates in Wisconsin are encouraging pet owners to take precautions to keep their pets safe during hot stretches. This comes as climate change poses threats such as extreme heat, wildfires, and poor air quality, not only impacting humans and their companion animals, but also wildlife.
As the conversation around animal welfare, agriculture, and climate change continues, it remains important for lawmakers and communities to consider the broader implications and consequences of these issues on public health, the environment, and animal well-being.