NY S06971

Farm owners and operators must confine egg-laying hens only in cage-free housing systems, effective 24 months after the bill becomes law.

Prohibits the sale of shell eggs or liquid eggs for human consumption if produced from hens confined in non-cage-free conditions, regardless of whether produced in or out of New York State.

Cage-free housing systems must provide minimum usable floor space per hen per the 2017 United Egg Producers guidelines, enrichments including scratch areas, perches, nest boxes, and dust bathing areas, and unlimited outdoor access in a secure environment.

Violations are subject to civil penalties of up to $5,000 for the first violation and up to $25,000 for subsequent violations, with collected penalties paid to the animal population control fund.

Exemptions apply to medical research, veterinary care, transportation, state and county fairs, 4-H programs, slaughter operations, and temporary animal husbandry periods of no more than 6 hours per 24-hour period.