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| Prop 12 ballot photo |
In 2018, California voters passed
Prop 12 which banned the sale of pork products inside California, even when
produced outside the state of California if the sellers did not
comply with California husbandry standards and if those outside sellers knew or
should have known that the meat came from a breeding pig that was confined in a
cruel manner. This was, of course challenged by The National Pork
Producers Council and the American Farm Bureau Federation. The
Supreme Court agreed with california.
California voters were
determined to lead the way for the nation to improve conditions for all animals
regardless of their classification of wild or domestic, or their alleged
purpose i.e. food, pet or entertainment. In fact, in 2022 Californians enacted Senate
Bill 1029, a law that recognizes the premise that human, animal and
environmental health are all interdependent and connected. In other words,
keeping animals, humans and the environment healthy is necessary to keep each and
all of us healthy. SB 1029 requires the creation of a one health program that establishes
interagency and interdisciplinary coordination to ultimately do just that.
Although the Supreme Court was more
focused on interstate commerce, preemption and other constitutional issues, it
unknowingly gave another nod to Californians who understand that if we are
humane to animals and keep them healthy, they will do the same for us.
There are still miles to
go until we are there. But we will
get there one roadblock at a time.
