Calif Egg Producer Sues, Says Cage Rules Unclear
FRESNO, Calif. (AP) -- A California egg producer claims the state has failed to spell out the specifics of a voter-approved measure setting stricter housing standards for egg-laying hens.
Modesto-based J.S. West filed a lawsuit Wednesday in Fresno County Superior Court asking a judge to set clear requirements for cage size and number of hens per cage.
Proposition 2 says that hens should be able to lie down, stand up, extend their limbs and turn around freely.
The 2008 measure was pushed by animal rights groups and strongly opposed by the state's $375 million egg industry.
An attorney for the J.S. West, Stephen Meyer, says that without clarification the company risks breaking the law even if it tries to comply.
The proposition takes effect in 2015.
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