Supporting Prop 12 in Oakland
Last week, the Oakland City Council unanimously passed a resolution calling for companies to immediately begin coming into compliance with California’s Proposition 12. This resolution urges food corporations with locations in Oakland to implement the requirements of the ballot initiative as soon as possible by only selling eggs, pork and veal from cage-free facilities.
In 2018, California voters passed Proposition 12 with a landslide margin. Proposition 12 ensures that calves used for veal, mother pigs and egg-laying hens aren’t locked in tiny cages. By the end of 2021, eggs sold in the state must come from birds in cage-free housing systems, and pork cannot come from facilities that use cramped cages for mother pigs. (California’s ban on confining calves used for veal went into effect on January 1, 2020). California’s historic law paved the way for other states to ban certain methods of extreme confinement for farm animals, including Colorado, Oregon, Washington, Michigan and Utah.
Since Proposition 12’s deadline for eggs and pork is rapidly approaching, this resolution will help corporations start coming into compliance with the law now. A chaotic rush in the final weeks of 2021 would put companies at risk of not having enough product. Being in compliance prior to the last possible date will ensure a smooth transition for retailers, keep costs down for consumers, and help suppliers plan ahead.
Proposition 12 is part of a nationwide push to end factory farming abuses. By passing this resolution, the Oakland City Council demonstrated that the city is in support of the local benefits of Proposition 12, including food safety, public health, and the promotion of the humane treatment of animals.
The passage of this resolution was celebrated by residents throughout Oakland! East Bay Animal PAC, along with Oaklanders, are grateful for Councilmember Dan Kalb and the Oakland City Council for sending a strong message that Oakland is committed to preventing animal cruelty.