The bill amends the Animal Industry Act to enhance the welfare standards for covered animals, specifically focusing on egg-laying hens and gestating sows. It introduces new definitions and clarifications regarding terms such as "cage-free housing system," "covered animal," and "usable floor space." The bill prohibits farm owners or operators from tethering or confining covered animals in a manner that restricts their ability to lie down, stand up, or fully extend their limbs, as well as turning around freely. Additionally, it specifies that egg-laying hens cannot be confined in enclosures other than cage-free housing systems or provided with less usable floor space than outlined in established guidelines.

Furthermore, the bill allows the department or the attorney general to take civil action against violations of these provisions, emphasizing that customary animal husbandry practices cannot be used as a defense in such cases. It also clarifies that the new regulations do not replace existing animal welfare laws and sets specific compliance deadlines for the application of these standards to egg-laying hens and gestating sows. The bill aims to improve animal welfare while ensuring that the legal framework is clear and enforceable.

Statutes affected:
Senate Introduced Bill: 287.746