We've got incredible news to share. The pork industry's latest desperate attempt to overturn California's landmark Proposition 12 has failed. This is a monumental win for animals and for your right to refuse complicity in cruel farming practices.
Several months ago, an appellate court rejected the pork producers' latest challenge to Prop 12 in Iowa Pork Producers Association v. Bonta, thanks to the work of several animal-protection organizations, including Animal Outlook. Following this loss, the Iowa Pork Producers Association asked the Supreme Court to step in, claiming that Prop 12 discriminated against out-of-state producers—yet another attempt to preserve their ability to confine mother pigs in crates so small they can't even turn around. The Court refused the pork producers' request, as Animal Outlook, Humane World for Animals, and other organizations encouraged it to do in extensive briefing, cementing the victory for Prop 12 and leaving it fully intact.
This victory builds on the 2023 landmark Supreme Court ruling in NPPC v. Ross, which affirmed that states have the right to ban products based on production methods using extreme confinement. As the Court stated then, "In a functioning democracy, those sorts of policy choices belong to the people and their elected representatives"—not to corporations seeking to profit from cruelty.
While we celebrate this significant victory, our work is far from over. Last week, the Department of Justice filed a lawsuit against the State of California, alleging Proposition 12's egg standards are unlawful because they are more protective than the federal government's standards. This lawsuit also blames California for driving up national egg prices. Simultaneously, the US Department of Agriculture is allowing for dangerous deregulation of slaughterhouse oversight.
We need your help to fight our next battle: stopping federal regulators from weakening (already insufficient) meat industry standards.
The US government is allowing the meat industry to essentially police itself—by replacing trained federal inspectors with their own employees and increasing slaughter line speeds to a staggering 175 birds per minute. That's nearly 3 animals every second, making humane handling impossible.
Your voice matters now more than ever. When we've faced the meat industry in court, we've prevailed because our position is rooted in justice, compassion, and the will of the people. Together, we're proving that everyday citizens can stand up to powerful industries and win.
Thank you for standing with us by leaving animals off your plate and by supporting our advocacy. This victory belongs to all of us who refuse to accept that cruelty is the price of doing business.
For the animals,
Ben Williamson
Executive Director
As a non-profit organization, Animal Outlook relies on donations from caring, generous people like you. Every dollar matters. Your support makes a world of difference to farmed animals.
