Released to press on 21 September 2011
OneKind is calling for urgent action from the European Commission to prevent several major EU nations flouting the barren battery cage ban when it comes into force in January.
Figures obtained by OneKind, which is part of the European Network for Farm Animal Protection chaired by Compassion in World Farming, paint a worrying picture of lack of progress and, in some cases, inability to report reliable figures.
The figures show the expected numbers of hens in the different laying systems as of 1st January 2012 when the ban on battery cages comes into force in the EU. Major EU nations Italy and Spain are unable to provide reliable figures and the numbers from France show an estimated 6.1 million hens still in barren battery cages at the turn of the year.
On 1January 2012, barren battery cages - cages with no facilities for birds to perch, nest or scratch - will be banned in the EU, as will the selling of eggs which have been produced from this system within the EU.
According to the figures from the Commission, UK egg farmers will be fully compliant with the ban.
Libby Anderson, OneKind Policy Director, said: “These figures are extremely worrying for the welfare of hens in the EU.
“Barren battery cages do not allow for hens to stretch their wings or exhibit many other natural behaviours. The EU is taking the lead by banning these cages from 1 January 2012. It is essential they stand firm and put pressure on national governments to make sure their farmers are ready for the ban.”
Italy is among six nations which have not even supplied figures to the Commission detailing how many hens will be in the illegal battery cages on 1st January. Poland will have more than 4.4 million hens in the banned cages. Portugal will still have more than 2.5 million barren battery hens out of the country’s 6.5 million commercial laying stock.
“EU member states have had since 1999 to prepare for the ban on barren battery cages. That is more than enough time to make the necessary changes,” added Libby Anderson. “They must take urgent action to ensure they are ready for the ban.”
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For further information please contact Fin Robertson at OneKind on 0131 225 6039 or 07590 428845. fin.robertson@onekind.org
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