The midterm elections in the United States have brought a considerable political shake-up, and President Donald Trump will soon have to contend with the new pink wave set to arrive in the American parliament. On 6 November, voters also had their say on a number of laws concerning animal rights: in particular, in California and Florida, two measures were passed that will make life easier for farmed animals and racing dogs.

The Proposition 12 law for the rights of caged animals

California voters approved in large numbers a law that will bring to supermarkets, from 2022, eggs sourced exclusively from hens raised in more spacious cages. Furthermore, the measure, known as Proposition 12, bans the sale of pork and veal from animals raised in excessively small cages that do not meet the new minimum dimensions imposed. Animals will now need to be reared and able to move in spaces of at least 4 square metres for calves and 2.2 for pigs.

The measure follows a similar decree issued by California in 2015 that did not, however, clearly specify cage dimensions. The association that championed Proposition 12 celebrated the result, while the well-known animal rights organisation Peta stated its opposition, as it would have preferred even larger cages or the complete elimination of so-called battery systems. A study by Purdue University did, however, note that the new law will drive up the price of eggs on the market.

Protect Prop 12 - Prevent Cruelty CA @ProtectProp12

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We did it, California!!!!

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No more dog racing in Florida

From 2021, dog racing will be banned in the state of Florida. Voters passed, with 67 per cent of votes in favour, the amendment that will put an end to speed competitions involving greyhounds. Racing these animals will thus be prohibited in 45 American states.

In Italy, demonstration competitions and coursing races still exist. Those who oppose racing explain that dogs are mistreated during training and are deprived of food in order to make them lighter and faster. Moreover, the rate of euthanasia in this field is considered too high, given that greyhounds injured in racing or those deemed unsuitable for it are killed or sold to research laboratories, according to some animal rights organisations. Now, in Florida too, dogs will no longer be subjected to competitions organised by humans.