SPCA Throws A Prop 2 'Poultry Party' To Celebrate New Law Requiring Cage-Free Chicken Farms
SAN FRANCISCO (CBS SF) -- The New Year ushered in a new era of comfort for animals on farms across California. Now, veal calves, breeding pigs, and egg-laying hens must be raised with enough room to extend their limbs. Consumers have come to know the condition as 'cage-free.'
As of January 1, only cage-free poultry products can be sold in the state.
Saturday, San Francisco's SPCA and Human Society of the U.S. celebrated implementation of the new rules under voter-approved Proposition 2 by throwing a 'poultry party.'
The ballot measure was approved in 2008 and farms were given more than 6 years to comply. Since then, they have transitioned to new housing systems that allow animals to stand up, lie down, turn around and fully extend their wings and limbs.
Feathers flew at Saturday's fete as people hugged and handled live, rescued chickens. There was also a display of the banned so-called 'battery cages,' a reminder of California's not-so-distant past.
Jennifer Scarlett, co-president of SF SPCA said the new law proves that Californians really do care about what they consume.
"California voters care about how their food is made and produced," she said. "The animal's welfare is something that we pay attention to and value."