'Enriched' cages for chickens condemned

A COMPASSION in World Farming Trust report has condemned "enriched" battery cages for egg-laying hens.

Copies of "Laid Bare ... The Case Against Enriched Cages in Europe" will be sent to Agricultural Minister Joe Walsh and to all TDs and Irish MEPs, calling on them to support a move to extend the forthcoming EU ban on battery cages to include "enriched" cages.

The EU Laying Hens Directive of 1999 bans the use of conventional battery cages for egg-laying hens from 2012. CIWF-Ireland welcomed the end of what it described as "this dreadful system of egg production," but said it was now concerned that farmers will simply switch over to so-called "enriched" cages. It said "enriched" cages fulfil the requirements of the new EU legislation, but sadly, do little to fulfil the welfare needs of hens.