Prop. 12 - Which comes first? The Chicken or the Space?

Prop. 12

Welcome back to Propositioned! Hosted by KFI's Kris Ankarlo, this limited series podcast is back to take a look at the 11 different propositions you'll see at the ballot box this November 6! 

Now in its third season, Propositioned is a chance for both sides on each question to make their case to you, the voter. Then you can take that information with you to the voter booth. 

In the final episode of this year's season, KFI's Kris Ankarlo takes a look at both sides of Prop. 12, a ballot measure that is promising to let the animals roam free. 

Supporters of the measure say Prop. 12 is necessary step because confining animals inside a tiny cage is cruel and threatens food safety. 

But opponents say the measure is a sell-out to the egg industry and betrays animals because Californians already voted to ban cages by 2015. 

Get both sides of the issue in the final episode of Propositioned!

Proposition 12 - Establishes new standards for confinement of specified farm animals, bans sale of noncomplying products

Establishes minimum requirements for confining certain farm animals. Prohibits sales of meat and egg products from animals confined in noncomplying manner. Fiscal Impact: Potential decrease in state income tax revenues from farm businesses, likely not more than several million dollars annually. State costs up to $10 million annually to enforce the measure.

In 2008, California voters approved Prop. 2, which set limits for pen sizes and cages. The follow-up to that initiative is Prop. 12, which expands the size of pens and cages as well as defines when those new standards would have to be adopted by farms in California. 

Supporters of the measure include groups like The Humane Society, say current cage rules in place in California are inhumane and the new rules will help prevent the sale of any products based on animals suffering. 

However, egg and pork farmers, who oppose Prop. 12, say the new rules will just add costs that will have to be passed onto the consumers and may even lead to shortages of some meats and eggs. 

What a YES vote means: 

A YES vote on this measure means: There would be new minimum requirements on farmers to provide more space for egglaying hens, breeding pigs, and calves raised for veal. California businesses would be banned from selling eggs or uncooked pork or veal that came from animals housed in ways that did not meet these requirements.

Here are the groups supporting the measure: The Humane Society of the United States, The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to AnimalsAnimal Welfare Institute, The Humane Society Veterinary Medical AssociationOrganic Consumers Association, Center for Biological DiversityJewish Initiative for Animals, Evangelicals for Social ActionCreatureKind, Central Valley Egg. 

What a NO vote means:

A NO vote on this measure means: Current minimum space requirements for confining egg-laying hens, pregnant pigs, and calves raised for veal would continue to apply. Current ban on businesses in California selling eggs not meeting these space requirements for hens would remain in effect.

Here are the groups opposing the measure: Association of California Egg FarmersFriends of Animals, Humane Farming Association (HFA), National Pork Producers Council, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) : Californians Against Cruelty, Cages, and Fraud; Showing Animals Respect and Kindness; Action for Animals. 

Photo: Getty Images


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