Oregon

Oregon Revised Statutes Volume 15, Title 48 and Title 49

In 2007, Oregon passed legislation phasing out the use of gestation crates over the following five years. Today, confining a pregnant pig for more than 12 hours during any 24-hour period in a manner that prevents the pig from lying down and fully extending her limbs or turning around freely is prohibited. Turning around freely means having the ability to turn in a complete circle in an enclosure without an impediment, including a tether, and without touching any side of the enclosure. A violation of this law is a Class A violation, resulting in a fine of $440. 

In 2019, Oregon passed legislation that prohibits the use of battery cages, and the in-state sale of eggs from hens raised in battery cages. This legislation took effect on January 1, 2024. Violation of this law may result in fees of up to $2,500.

  What Animals Are Affected?


Egg-laying Hens

Pregnant Sows

  What Products Are Affected?


Shell and Liquid EggsStarting January 1, 2022, shell eggs must come from housing systems that meet the requirements of the law. Under Question 3, Layers must have 1.5 square feet of usable floor space each. Under S2481, shell and liquid eggs must come from hens housed in systems that meet the United Egg Producers cage-free housing requirements.

Shell Eggs and Egg Products

What are the consequences of not following the law?


A violation of Oregon’s law concerning the use of gestation crates is a Class A violation, resulting in a fine of $440.

A violation of Oregon’s law concerning the use of battery cages, and the sale of products derived from such cages, may result in fees of up to $2,500.