The largest U.S. egg industry group says it will “educate the lawmakers, voters and consumers” in Massachusetts about the merits of cages for hens ahead of a potential 2016 referendum on animal-welfare rules, reports Politico. It says United Egg Producers has decided not to raise money to oppose the petition drive by the Humane Society of the United States for a statewide vote. The language is expected to be similar to the initiative approved by California voters in 2008 that said animals should have enough room to stand, turn around, lay down or fully extend their limbs.
The National Pork Producers Council told Politico that the Massachusetts language would apply to so-called sow crates. While chickens are the in the spotlight, “they are still trying to go after us,” said an NPPC spokesman.
An egg-industry analyst said food companies and restaurants are moving toward cage-free eggs, even though a sizable portion of egg farmers disagrees with the trend.