Bill > H4146

This bill aims to upgrade hen welfare and establish uniform cage-free standards. The key provisions of the bill include: 1. Defining important terms related to animal housing and welfare, such as "cage-free housing system," "confined in a cruel manner," "egg-laying hen," and "usable floor space." 2. Prohibiting the confinement of calves raised for veal, breeding pigs, and egg-laying hens in a manner that prevents them from lying down, standing up, fully extending their limbs, or turning around freely. 3. Establishing specific requirements for cage-free housing systems, including minimum usable floor space per hen and the provision of enrichments like scratch areas, perches, nest boxes, and dust bathing areas. 4. Regulating the sale of certain animal products, such as whole pork meat and whole veal meat, to ensure they meet the new standards for animal welfare. The bill aims to improve the living conditions and welfare of farm animals by transitioning to more humane housing systems and practices.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/191/H4146