Ending factory farming. Ending animal cruelty.
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There has never been a more critical moment for our food system.

In government bodies and legislatures across America, there has never been more attention focused on the challenges our food system faces—from animal suffering, environmental destruction,  and social injustice to dishonest food labels, antibiotic resistance, and pandemic risk.

Building a food system that is compassionate to animals, regenerative for our planet, fair to communities and workers, and trustworthy for consumers will require transformative change. That is why, in addition to food companies transforming to meet the demand for higher welfare practices, we also need robust public policy at every level of government to drive the shift away from factory farming and toward a resilient food system that is kinder and more sustainable for animals, people, and the planet.

Whether it’s petitioning federal agencies, contacting legislators, or supporting critical ballot initiatives, CIWF US rallies animal advocates, conscious consumers, planet protectors, and concerned citizens from all walks of life to call for a food system that works for animals, nature, people, and the planet. Through strategic action online and on the ground, we work to advance smart policies to end cruel factory farming practices, combat the climate crisis, secure justice for communities, farmers, and workers, protect cherished habitats and wildlife, and build a better food future for families across the country.

Hold Meat Industry Giants Accountable for Animal Suffering

Hold Meat Industry Giants Accountable for Animal Suffering

Email your U.S. representatives and ask them to hold factory farm owners accountable for protecting their animals during natural disasters.

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Demand an end to factory farming

Demand an end to factory farming

Animals raised for food, farmers, and communities need the Farm System Reform Act.

Use your voice

Further progress is on the march with ten states from coast to coast passing crucial legislation to eliminate cruel cage confinement for egg-laying hens—widely considered one of the worst-of-the-worst factory farming practices. Even better, many of those states have also banned the sale of out-of-state products from caged hens, meaning these laws will benefit birds across the nation.

Cage-Free Laws: State by State

Cage-Free Laws: State by State

In April 2022, the Arizona Governor's Regulatory Review Council voted unanimously in favor of a measure banning both the production and sale of eggs from hens raised in cages. The regulation goes into full effect on January 1st, 2025.

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1. ARIZONA

Cage-Free Laws: State by State

In 2018, California voters passed a ballot initiative (updated from 2008 ballot initiative and 2010 legislation) that will phase out cage confinement for egg-laying hens, breeding pigs, and calves raised for veal; as well as the sale of shell and liquid eggs, whole cuts of pork, and veal from productions that do not meet these standards. The law also establishes minimum space and enrichment requirements. The final phase of Proposition 12 was enacted on January 1st, 2022.

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2. CALIFORNIA

Cage-Free Laws: State by State

In 2020, Colorado passed legislation that prohibits the production and sale of eggs and egg products from caged hens, as well as establishes minimum space and enrichment requirements. The legislation is set to take effect in phases starting on January 1, 2023.

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3. COLORADO

Cage-Free Laws: State by State

In 2016, Massachusetts voters passed a ballot initiative banning the confinement of egg-laying hens, breeding pigs, and calves raised for veal in a manner that prevents them “from lying down, standing up, fully extending the animal’s limbs, or turning around freely"; as well as the sale of shell eggs, whole cuts of pork, and veal from operations that do not meet these standards. The law also establishes minimum space requirements for egg-laying hens. The legislation took effect on January 1, 2022. 

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4. MASSACHUSETTS

Cage-Free Laws: State by State

In 2019, Michigan passed legislation (updated from 2009) that prohibits the production and sale of eggs from caged hens, as well as establishing minimum space and enrichment requirements. It also bans the housing of gestating sows or calves raised for veal in a manner that prevents them from “lying down, standing up, or fully extending its limbs...[and] turning around freely.” These new standards will take effect on October 1, 2012 for veal calves, April 1, 2020 for gestating sows, and December 31, 2024 for egg-laying hens.

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5. MICHIGAN

Cage-Free Laws: State by State

In June 2021, the Nevada state legislature passed a law banning the production and sale of eggs from hens raised in cages. The law also requires enrichments such as perches, nest boxes, and dust bathing areas to enable hens to express their natural behaviors. The law goes into full effect on January 1st, 2024.

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6. NEVADA

Cage-Free Laws: State by State

In 2019, Oregon passed legislation that prohibits the production and sale of eggs and egg products from caged hens, and establishes minimum space and enrichment requirements. The legislation is set to take effect on January 1, 2024. 

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7. OREGON

Cage-Free Laws: State by State

In 2012 (sows and veal calves) and 2018 (egg-laying hens), Rhode Island passed legislation prohibiting the confinement of these animals in a manner that prevents them from “turning around freely, lying down, standing up or fully extending the animal’s limbs”; and establishes minimum space requirements for egg-laying hens. The legislation is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

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8. RHODE ISLAND

Cage-Free Laws: State by State

In 2019, Washington state passed legislation that prohibits the production and sale of eggs and egg products from caged hens, and establishes minimum space and enrichment requirements. The legislation took effect on January 1, 2024.

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9. WASHINGTON

Cage-Free Laws: State by State

In 2021, Utah passed legislation that prohibits the production of eggs from caged hens, and establishes minimum space and enrichment requirements. The legislation is set to take effect on January 1, 2025.

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10. UTAH

More Ways to Get Involved

Stay on top of the fast-moving policy landscape, get involved, and use our quick forms to take immediate action for animals, people, and the planet:

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