The Massachusetts Minimum Size Requirements for Farm Animal Containment law was passed Tuesday with over 5 million yes votes. Farmers and farm organizations tried to explain the law would result in increased food prices but voters approved the measure with more than 77% of voters in support.
It will be illegal for farmers to house their cows, pigs, lambs, and egg-laying hens in confined spaces. The law defines confined space as a pen preventing the animal from lying down, standing up, fully extending its limbs, or turning around freely.
Massachusetts is the first to ban the use of all veal crates, gestation crates, and battery cages but other states have already prohibited some of these devices.
The bill will also prevent business owners from importing products from outside the state that do not comply with the the law.
Farmers will have until 2020 to meet the requirements before the state can assess fines.
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