Belgium: Flanders wants to phase out cage systems for laying hens

Flemish poultry farmers find it almost impossible to opt for alternatives. Action group Gaia thinks the twelve-year transition period is too long. The killing of day-old chicks is also prohibited in Flanders. With the Flemish Codex Animal Welfare, Weyts wants to arrive at a coherent and conclusive legal framework that values and protects animals according to today's standards. 'For the first time, animals are officially recognized as living beings with feelings, specific needs and intrinsic value. It follows that they must be properly protected. The Flemish Animal Welfare Codex considerably expands this protection,' he says. Approved by Council of Ministers The Flemish Codex Animal Welfare also includes the phasing out of cage systems for chickens in laying hen farms or rearing farms. The Flemish government can make policy for this. This is only a first approval in principle. The Flemish Animal Welfare Code was approved in principle by the Flemish Council of Ministers in July. ...