The Massachusetts Minimum Size Requirements for Farm Animal Containment law was passed Tuesday with\u00a0over 5 million yes\u00a0votes. \u00a0Farmers and farm organizations\u00a0tried to explain the law would result in increased\u00a0food prices but voters approved\u00a0the measure with more than 77% of voters\u00a0in support.<\/p>\n
It will be\u00a0illegal for farmers to house their cows, pigs, lambs, and egg-laying hens in confined spaces. \u00a0The law defines confined space as a pen preventing the animal from lying down, standing up, fully extending its limbs, or turning around freely.<\/p>\n
Massachusetts is the first to ban the use\u00a0of all veal crates, gestation crates, and battery cages but other\u00a0states have already prohibited some of these devices.<\/p>\n
The bill will also prevent business owners from importing products from outside the state\u00a0that do not comply with the the law.<\/p>\n
Farmers will have until 2020 to meet the requirements before the state can assess fines.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"