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13 states sue Massachusetts over farm animal cage law

BOSTON — Massachusetts is facing a lawsuit from 13 states over its recently passed cage limitations law for commercial farmers.

Question three on the 2016 ballot prohibited the sales of eggs veal or pork from a farm animal confined in spaces that prevent the animal from lying down, standing up, extending its limbs or turning around.

States have taken issue the regulation because they say farmers in other states would have to comply with the law if they want to sell their products in Massachusetts.

The states say the federal government regulates interstate trade and should have jurisdictional authority over a regulation like this. They claim this law is overreaching and violates the constitution.

The law is set to take effect in 2022.

MORE: Election Day 2016: Massachusetts ballot questions explained