Bill > A01928

This bill prohibits the confinement of certain farm animals in a manner that prevents them from lying down, standing up, fully extending their limbs, and turning around freely, specifically targeting pregnant pigs, calves raised for veal, and egg-laying hens kept on a farm for most of any day. The bill defines "calf raised for veal" as any calf kept for veal production, "covered animals" as pregnant pigs, veal calves, or egg-laying hens, and "egg-laying hen" as a female domesticated chicken, turkey, duck, goose, or guinea fowl kept for egg production. It also defines "enclosure" to include common confinement structures like gestation crates, veal crates, and battery cages, and clarifies "fully extending its limbs" and "turning around freely" to ensure adequate space for natural movement. While generally prohibiting such confinement, the bill includes exceptions for transportation, exhibitions, slaughtering, scientific research, veterinary care, and a seven-day period before a pig is expected to give birth. Violating these provisions is classified as a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail, a fine of up to $1,000, or both. The bill also clarifies that it does not prevent local governments from enacting stricter animal welfare laws and does not reduce existing protections for farm animals.