On July 6th Arnold Schwarzenegger, governor of California, signed bill AB 1437 into law. This bill "requires that all whole eggs sold in California as of Jan. 1, 2015, come from hens able to stand up, fully extend their limbs, lie down and spread their wings without touching each other or the sides of their enclosure, thus requiring cage-free conditions for the birds. ... By signing this bill, Governor Schwarzenegger has taken an important step in protecting animal welfare in a way that will also improve food safety for consumers across California," said Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of The HSUS. Pacelle continued, "Californians have made it clear that they don't want unsafe eggs from hens crammed into cages, and we applaud the Legislature and governor for heeding this call."

Let's hope that many other states and countries follow this move and consider the well-being of the animals who we choose to eat. Battery cages are to be banned in the European Union as of 2012. Chickens are smart and emotional animals and deserve our respect.