In a victory for the welfare and rights of chickens, cows, and pigs, a Massachusetts judge upheld the enforcement of the Massachusetts Prevention of Farm Animal Cruelty Act, according to local news. The law bans the sale of pig meat, veal, and eggs that have come from confining animals “in a cruel manner.”
The Prevention of Farm Animal Cruelty Act — which was approved by 78% of voters in 2016 — bans the use of confinement spaces too small for the chickens, cows, and pigs to move. Gestation crates are known to prevent a pregnant female pig from lying down, standing up, fully extending her limbs, or turning around freely. Several factory farms and meat distribution companies had challenged this legislation, claiming it went against federal laws. Thankfully, the judge upheld the Massachusetts law, ruling that it poses no conflict with federal legislation.
Chickens and cows are loving and playful, with distinct personalities. Pigs, who are sensitive, sentient creatures that are as smart as toddlers, are some of the worst-treated animals on factory farms. Mother pigs are often kept in these cruel confinement crates for their entire pregnancies.
No animal deserves a life locked in a cage, unable to turn around or even stretch.
Massachusetts is one of 15 states that have mandates prohibiting this torturous confinement of animals, and also one of the few that ban the of sale of meat from those who are treated this way, but more needs to be done.
Lady Freethinker applauds Judge Williams G. Young for upholding the will of the Massachusetts people. While chickens, cows, and pigs all deserve to be free, upholding this law is a step in the right direction.
