Trump administration sues California, arguing animal cruelty laws cause high egg prices

The Trump administration sued California and Gov. Gavin Newsom over the state’s anti-animal cruelty laws Wednesday, alleging they are contributing to the high cost of egg prices and are superseded by a federal law regulating egg quality, inspection and packaging.

In its complaint, the Justice Department is attempting to block state laws that require additional space for hen-growing chickens, arguing they are “unnecessary red tape” and “do not advance consumer welfare.”

Two California ballot initiatives, passed in 2008 and 2018, mandate higher standards and housing requirements for hen-laying chickens and eggs sold in the state, requiring the birds to be given enough space to extend their limbs and move without touching another bird.

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