Moves to ban the use of conventional cages on US
egg-laying farms have started in Washington, after politicians tabled an
amendment bill to improve hen welfare.
The development has been welcomed by the Humane
Society of the United States (HSUS) and United Egg Producers (UEP) as it
is in keeping with their joint policy of raising standards in
egg-laying hens. If approved, the legislation would improve the welfare
of 280 million hens involved in US egg production by 2030.
The legislation will:
• Require egg producers to increase the space per hen in a tiered phase-in over the next 15 to 18 years
• Require conventional cages to be replaced with enriched-colony systems over a similar phase-in period
• Require all egg-laying hens to be provided with environmental enrichments such as perches, nesting boxes and scratching areas
• Make labelling on all egg packaging mandatory nationwide, to inform consumers of method used to produce the eggs
• Raise euthanasia standards for egg-laying hens as approved by the American Veterinary Association
• Prohibit feed or water withdrawal molting to extend the laying cycle
• Prohibit excessive ammonia levels in hen houses
• Ban the transport and sale of egg products nationwide which do not meet the above requirements
• Require egg producers to increase the space per hen in a tiered phase-in over the next 15 to 18 years
• Require conventional cages to be replaced with enriched-colony systems over a similar phase-in period
• Require all egg-laying hens to be provided with environmental enrichments such as perches, nesting boxes and scratching areas
• Make labelling on all egg packaging mandatory nationwide, to inform consumers of method used to produce the eggs
• Raise euthanasia standards for egg-laying hens as approved by the American Veterinary Association
• Prohibit feed or water withdrawal molting to extend the laying cycle
• Prohibit excessive ammonia levels in hen houses
• Ban the transport and sale of egg products nationwide which do not meet the above requirements
Previously individual states have approved often-conflicting
standards for egg production. But, if passed, the amendment bill would
supersede state laws and create a federal standard - something UEP says
is the only solution in enhancing hen welfare and ensuring a sustainable
future for America's family-owned egg farms.
"Eggs are a national commodity and egg producers should have a level
playing field - not have different, costly rules in all 50 states," said
Gene Gregory, president and chief executive of the UEP, which
represents 88% of the nation's egg producers.
"This agreement between UEP and HSUS represents an important and
necessary step in addressing the patchwork of state laws facing the
industry and providing stability for farmers moving forward," said
Representative Kurt Schrader - one of the four politicians who launched
the Bill.
However, the National Pork Producers Council has criticised the
legislation, saying it would set a "dangerous precedent" and allow the
federal government to regulate production practices.
