Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm has signed a bill into law that phases out veal crates for calves within three years, and battery cages for laying hens and gestation crates for breeding sows within ten years. A result of negotiations between animal welfare and agricultural groups, the law requires that certain farm animals have enough room to stand up and turn around and extend their limbs.
The agreement allows pork producers to utilize stalls for 7 days prior to farrowing, during lactation and following breeding until sows are confirmed pregnant.
Michigan becomes the seventh state to ban gestation crates, the fifth to ban veal crates and the second to ban battery cages. Arizona, California and Florida have passed similar measures through ballot initiatives while Maine, Colorado and Oregon have passed related laws in their state legislatures.