Australia to bring forward its ban on caged eggs after phasing out battery cages for hens, animal advocates say

Published 2023년 1월 4일

Tridge summary

Animal welfare activists in Australia are urging for a faster ban on cage eggs, following New Zealand's lead in banning battery cages for layer hens as of January 1, 2023. The Australian government's plan to phase out battery cages for hens by 2036 is criticized as too slow, with major supermarkets planning to stop selling caged eggs by 2025. Activists argue that the government is behind consumer and retail trends, and are pushing for state agricultural ministers to negotiate a swifter phase-out. The egg industry is facing pressure to adapt to the shift towards free range eggs, with some industry groups suggesting a delayed phase-out.

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Original content

Animal welfare activists have called on Australia to bring forward its ban on cage eggs after battery cages for layer hens became illegal in New Zealand on 1 January. The Australian government last year committed to phasing out battery cages for hens by 2036, a 14-year lead time for a reform that followed seven years of negotiation with the egg industry to update the animal welfare standards and guidelines for poultry. New Zealand announced its 2023 phase-out in 2012. Australia is more than a decade behind similar nations in responding to consumer sentiment and improving chicken welfare, according to Glenys Oogjes of Animals Australia. “Europe phased them out in 2012 and that’s about when New Zealand started their phase-out,” Oogjes told Guardian Australia. “So we’re not just 10 years behind. We are at least 20 if not 30 years behind in regard to the science and the ethics.” Oogjes said the government was playing catch-up with retailers and most farmers who have already begun to ...

Source: TheGuardian