Activists want to ban cages, crates

An animal rights group kicked off a campaign in California this week to gather signatures to place an initiative on the state ballot to ban cages for egg-laying poultry, gestation crates for sows and veal crates for veal calves.

Californians for Humane Farms, sponsored by the Humane Society of the United States, needs 433,000 valid signatures by February to put the initiative on the November 2008 ballot.

The measure would take effect in 2015. Exceptions are made for scientific research, exhibitions and veterinary treatment.

Violations would draw a misdemeanor citation and a fine.

If passed, this measure would be the first in the United States banning cages for egg-laying poultry. Laws banning gestation crates and veal calf crates have been passed in Arizona, Oregon and Florida where swine and veal industries are small.

Christine Morrissey, director of East Bay Animal Advocates, an animal rights group involved in the effort, charged that 20 million laying hens and about 15,000 sows are treated inhumanely by the confinement. There is no commercial veal industry in the state currently, but Morrissey said the measure would prevent reintroduction of crates.

Debbie Murdock of United Egg Producers said California producers have gone to great lengths to make sure they follow responsible, science-based modern production methods in the care of their egg-laying flocks. California has the fifth largest egg industry in the nation with 20 million hens.

"We think we're humane," Murdock said.

Murdock said the United Egg Producers certified animal welfare program, launched in 2002, ensures that hens are protected from predators, severe weather and migratory birds that may carry Avian Influenza.

She said the cages used have adequate space and birds housed in that manner are healthier since they avoid soil-borne disease and diseases from waste.

Eggs produced in that manner are also cleaner and healthier for consumers, she said.

The UEP-certified program standards provide sufficient space requirements for each bird based on the breed, and the space has been increased.

It now exceeds by nearly 30 percent the space in cages of companies not meeting UEP certified guidelines.

In addition, the UEP research showed costs for non-cage production is 50-70 percent higher.

Murdock said the USDA also audits California producers.

With their certified program, she said consumers should feel confident the birds are housed in a humane manner and the initiative is not needed.

Dave Kranz of the California Farm Bureau Federation said that organization is aware of the ballot initiative, but will wait to see if the measure qualifies before taking a position.

"We encourage management practices on the advice of University of California experts who have done the research," Kranz said.

Morrissey said the animal rights groups are advocating cage-free and crate-free management for laying hens and sows, but acknowledges that production costs will be higher. The higher costs of those practices may also drive producers to other states.

The ballot initiative campaign, launched Oct. 1, will focus on the urban Sacramento, San Francisco, Los Angeles and San Diego areas.

Paul Shapiro, senior director with the Factory Farm campaign of the Humane Society of the United States said California's history of support for animal protection measures leads supporters to believe voters will pass the initiative.