Voters in California and Florida Pass Critical Animal Protection Laws

NEW YORK – The ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) commends voters in California and Florida for passing critical animal protection measures on Election Day that will improve the lives of millions of farm animals and thousands of racing Greyhounds across the country.

California voters approved Prop. 12, requiring cage-free housing and more space for three types of animals typically confined in cages inside factory farms: baby veal calves, mother pigs, and egg-laying hens. Prop. 12 also ensures that veal, pork, and eggs sold in the state come from operations meeting these cage and crate-free standards.

“From voting at the ballot box to shopping at the supermarket, consumers have played a significant role in demanding more humane food choices by rejecting cruel and unsafe methods still commonplace at industrial-style factory farms,” said Matt Bershadker, president and CEO of the ASPCA. “The passage of Prop. 12 will protect countless farm animals from cruelty and we applaud California voters for speaking out against these horrific practices.”

In Florida, voters passed Amendment 13 to phase out commercial Greyhound racing by 2020. Forty states have already banned greyhound racing, but there are still 17 tracks operating in the U.S. – 11 of which are in the state of Florida, where a racing dog dies every three days. Amendment 13 ensures that thousands of dogs will no longer be forced to run for their lives and can be adopted into loving homes.

“Dog racing has declined sharply in recent years as people have become more aware of how this ‘sport’ forces dogs to run for their lives, endure extreme confinement, and suffer severe injuries and painful deaths on Florida’s dog tracks,” said Bershadker. “The ASPCA is grateful to Floridians for passing Amendment 13 to finally bring an end to this cruel activity.”

For more information about the ASPCA or to join the ASPCA Advocacy Brigade, please visit www.aspca.org.