Calif. Egg Farmers Sue over Enclosure Regs

Proposition requires hens to be able to move around, but fails to provide guidelines for compliance

The Association of California Egg Farmers challenged the validity of a state law that threatens criminal penalties for failing to meet regulations for enclosures for egg-laying hens.

Proposition 2, passed by California voters in November 2008, requires that egg-laying hens cannot be confined in cages that prevent them from "lying down, standing up, and fully extending his or her limbs" and from "turning around freely."

The Association of California Egg Farmers claim in Fresno County Court that Prop. 2 is unconstitutionally vague and does not let farmers know how to confine hens so as to avoid criminal punishment and fines.