The United States Supreme Court has upheld California’s Proposition 12 plebiscite law that bans sow gestation crates and a number of other practices deemed harmful to animal welfare.
The ruling has significant implications for the pork industry, particularly for producers outside California who supply pork to the state. That includes Canadians exporting weaner pigs, market hogs and pork to the United States.
The Supreme Court’s decision means that out-of-state producers must comply with California’s standards if they wish to sell their products in the state.
The Court ruled that such state laws are permissible, emphasizing that “companies that choose to sell products in various states must normally comply with the laws of those various states.”
The pork industry has voiced concerns that Proposition 12 will increase production costs and complicate supply chains.
Critics argue that the law imposes undue burdens on producers and could lead to higher prices for consumers. Despite these concerns, the Supreme Court upheld the law, indicating that it does not violate the Constitution merely because it has extraterritorial effects on out-of-state producers.
Proponents of Proposition 12 argue that it addresses important animal welfare issues and can potentially reduce health risks associated with extreme confinement of farm animals.
The American Public Health Association and other health organizations supported the law, citing concerns about disease transmission from confined animals to humans.
