Shocking Images of Laying Hens in Cage Farming
An investigative report by Equalia reveals appalling conditions at a Spanish laying hen facility using a cage system.
On the occasion of World Egg Day on 8 October, a new investigative report by Equalia exposes a laying hen operation in the Spanish region of Castilla-La Mancha that uses the cage system.
Featherless Hens and Carcasses
Among the scenes documented are featherless hens harmed by overcrowding in the cages, as well as carcasses lying alongside living hens.
The NGO's investigative report reignites the debate over the use of cages in egg production and presents images showing hens kept under conditions that violate European and Spanish regulations.
These facts are typical of a production system that the Federation of European Veterinarians has called for a critical review of cages, as they hinder the expression of natural behaviour in laying hens.
Cages Are Neither Safe Nor Sustainable
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) concluded that cages are neither a safe nor a sustainable production system, as they pose risks to food safety and human health. The high density of poultry in cages leads to a higher prevalence, persistence, and development of Salmonella compared to poultry kept in floor-based systems.
In addition, the report also mentions pests such as rats roaming among the birds, and mites settling in eggs intended for human consumption. The legal department of Equalia has filed a complaint for animal cruelty and endangerment of public health.
1.4 Million People in Favour of a Cage Ban
Eurogroup for Animals, together with its 81 member organisations across Europe, is calling on the European Commission to commit to an ambitious revision of animal welfare legislation. The campaign “Leave No Animal Behind” highlights the shortcomings of current legislation.
The European Citizens' Initiative (ECI) End The Cage Age received the support of 1.4 million people and a majority in the European Parliament, who called for a ban on cages not only for chickens, but also for pigs, calves, rabbits, broiler chickens, quails, ducks and geese.
