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 clarifies existing terms, such as "covered animal," which now includes gestating sows and calves raised for veal. The bill prohibits farm owners or operators from tethering or confining covered animals in a manner that prevents them from lying down, standing up, or fully extending their limbs, as well as turning around freely. Additionally, it establishes that egg-laying hens must be housed in a cage-free system that meets specific space and enrichment requirements.

The bill also outlines enforcement mechanisms, allowing the department or attorney general to bring civil actions against violations, and clarifies that customary animal husbandry practices cannot be used as a defense in such cases. It specifies that the new regulations will not apply to egg-laying hens or shell eggs until December 31, 2024, and gestating sows until April 1, 2020. The language emphasizes that these provisions are supplementary to existing animal welfare laws, ensuring comprehensive protection for animals in agricultural settings.

Statutes affected:
Senate Introduced Bill: 287.746