California's Prop 2 Restricts Farm Animal Confinement

Though it hasn't gotten the media attention of the successful Proposition 8 that banned same-sex marriage, California passed another significant referendum on Tuesday. Proposition 2 "requires that calves raised for veal, egg-laying hens and pregnant pigs be confined only in ways that allow these animals to lie down, stand up, fully extend their limbs and turn around freely."

Californians passed the measure by a nearly 2-to-1 margin.

Prop 2 will primarily affect egg-laying hens, as California doesn't produce much veal, and pork producers were already moving away from small-crate confinement. Opponents predict that egg farmers will be forced to leave the state and consumers will have to pay higher prices for eggs. A coalition called Californians for SAFE Food even suggested that letting hens roam free will expose them to avian flu, which they could then pass on to humans.

But the LA Times reported that the price of eggs is unlikely to rise. And while some egg farmers are talking about leaving the state, they still have a few years to think about it, as the new law won't take effect until 2015.

Both sides raised about $8.5 million, with the Humane Society and the California Veterinary Medical Association leading the push for a yes vote.