The Humane Society of the United States has summarized some positive animal welfare news on its blog, A Humane Nation. Several U.S. states have passed some encouraging animal protection legislation this year…a bit of good news for all of the animals who live among us.

Massachusetts: 78% of voters approved an anti-factory farming ballot measure that stops the extreme confinement of egg-laying hens, breeding sows, and veal calves. The measure also says that eggs, pork, and veal sold in the state must conform to the humane standards, regardless of where the food came from.

Oregon: 70% of voters approved a measure to restrict the interstate trafficking of ivory, rhino horns, and the body parts of 10 other wildlife species endangered by trafficking.

Oklahoma: A measure (supported by powerful agricultural interests) to amend the state constitution to ban future limitations on the “conduct of agriculture” in the state was rejected by voters by over 60%.

California: Voters affirmed a statewide ban on the sale of plastic bags, harmful to many species of wildlife, particularly in the ocean.