2024 marks a significant step forward for animal welfare as several key measures take effect across the United States, demonstrating the power of advocacy and the commitment to creating a more humane world.
Leading the charge is California's Proposition 12, hailed as the world's most robust law for the protection of farm animals. As of January 1, 2024, the law, approved by a decisive 63% of voters in 2018, is now fully implemented. It addresses the cruel practice of extreme confinement of farmed animals, ensuring that mother pigs, egg-laying hens, and veal calves are given adequate space to stand, turn around, and extend their limbs. Furthermore, Proposition 12 bans the in-state sale of pork, eggs, and veal produced through extreme confinement, marking a significant shift toward safer and more humane agricultural practices in the state.
But California is not alone in championing the cause of farm animals. Oregon, Washington, and Nevada have made it illegal to produce or sell eggs from caged hens, a substantial win for advocates of cage-free laws. Additionally, New Jersey is poised to implement a prohibition on gestation crates later this year.
The fight against animal suffering extends beyond the realm of farm animals, with various states enacting laws promoting alternatives to animal testing. Oregon, for instance, has banned the sale of cosmetics newly tested on animals, and California has updated its laws to mandate the use of non-animal alternative test methods for specific products. Maryland has taken a pioneering step by requiring animal research facilities to contribute to a Human Relevant Research Fund, fostering the development of non-animal research methods.
In Michigan, the introduction of "Teddy's Law" ensures that dogs and cats used in research facilities will have the opportunity for adoption after their time in research concludes, making Michigan the 16th state to adopt such legislation.
Companion animals are not forgotten in the legislative wave of 2024. Pennsylvania's Dog Law has been upgraded to enforce the state's puppy mill law, increase transparency in puppy advertising, and require pet stores to provide health and breeder information for puppies. Furthermore, New York will prohibit the sale of dogs, cats, and rabbits in pet stores from December 2024, a measure expected to prevent about 50 pet stores from selling puppies from puppy mills.
The year 2024 also brings significant strides in wildlife protection. Illinois now prohibits public contact with bears and nonhuman primates, while Oregon and New York have banned cruel wildlife killing contests, saving countless lives of coyotes, foxes, bobcats, and other native wild animals.
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As we celebrate these groundbreaking laws, legislative sessions across the nation are underway, offering further opportunities to advocate for animal welfare. The Humane Society Legislative Fund encourages citizens to stay informed and engaged by signing up for legislative updates to contribute to more victories for animals in the years to come.
Sara Amundson, President of the Humane Society Legislative Fund, emphasizes that none of these achievements would have been possible without the unwavering support of people who care about animals. Whether through donations, letters to representatives, or sharing petitions, individuals are the backbone of the movement towards a more compassionate future. With confidence in collective efforts, Amundson looks forward to additional successes for animals in the years ahead.
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