Source: Tom Johnston, MEATINGPLACE.COM, 12/6/18



The Department of Justice has filed an amicus brief recommending the Supreme Court of the United States not hear Missouri’s lawsuit against California laws requiring larger enclosures for egg-laying hens and other animals. DOJ’s position could be a boon to animal welfare activists pushing for similar laws in other states, though Missouri officials have said they will move forward with their challenge. Missouri and a dozen other states filed their complaint last year. They argue that California’s laws, which were enacted in 2015, hinder interstate commerce and drive up egg prices.

In their brief, however, DOJ officials say egg prices are determined “by a series of marketplace actors.” As such, the plaintiffs’ argument that California’s laws are raising egg prices in other states is not reasonable, they contend.

View the DOJ brief here.

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