Massachusetts Animal Cruelty Law Upheld in Pork Industry Loss

A Massachusetts animal cruelty law impacting pork production across the country is constitutional, the First Circuit held Friday.

The regulation challenged by out-of-state pork processors prevents them from selling pork in Massachusetts if it comes from a pig confined in a stall so tightly it can’t fully extend its limbs. The First Circuit’s decision could disrupt the pork supply chain nationwide, since farmers and processors that want to do business in Massachusetts will have to amend their practices.

The appeals court rejected arguments that the law illegally gives in-state pork producers a leg up because no Massachusetts producers currently confine ...