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Go Cage Free!

2012 was a big year for Europe’s hens with the outlawing of conventional battery cages.

Go Cage Free in 2012

Read our Go Cage Free Factfile (PDF)

Sadly, millions of hens still miss out on the freedom to roam outside and will remain in cramped conditions where they cannot express their natural behaviour.

These are the hens that have moved to an ‘enriched’ cage system. Their eggs remain legal throughout Europe.

There is strong public opposition to any form of cage production and UK groups including the Co-operative Group, Marks & Spencer, Sainsbury’s, Waitrose, and McDonalds will not use eggs from these systems. Austria, Germany, and Luxembourg are all committed to making ‘enriched’ cages illegal.  

*At time of writing, Tesco and Asda will continue to sell caged hen eggs. Sainsbury’s, Marks and Spencer, Morrison and Waitrose have all pledged to sell free-range shell eggs as a minimum.

Legislation takes time. One day, all cage production must end and OneKind will work to make this happen, just as we have campaigned hard over the years to end conventional battery farming. Meanwhile...

How to help Europe’s hens

  • Ask your local shops to only supply cage-free eggs.
  • Check packaging of food containing egg and make sure it says free-range or organic.
  • Make a regular donation to support OneKind’s campaigns.