Help for Europe's Hens (North Devon Liberal Democrats)

North Devon Liberal Democrats <info@libdems.org.uk>

Help for Europe's Hens

December 16, 2010 12:00 AM
Originally published by Sir Graham Watson MEP

South West Lib Dem MEP Graham Watson has today called for tough action against EU Member States and their egg producers who fail to phase out battery cages before the legal deadline set by the European Commission of 1st January 2012.

Battery hens spend their short lives crammed into small wire cages and are allowed sometimes less than the space of an A4 sheet of paper.

Today (Thursday 16 December, 2010), the European Parliament voted to stick with the EU Commission's plans to phase out battery cages and oppose any attempts by Member States to extend its deadline. MEPs also called for Member States that complied with the legislation to be able to ban imports from others who are producing eggs illegally.

Watson said:

"It is unacceptable that some EU Member States should seek to delay new standards to phase out cruel battery cages. They have had 10 years to make the change, so there is no excuse for extending the deadline.

"Egg producers in my constituency have invested much time, effort and money into raising animal welfare standards and they should not be penalised because others are let off the hook. I am pleased MEPs have sent a clear signal that no-one will be allowed to shirk their responsibilities.

"It is time to start naming and shaming those who don't comply with minimum standards for hen welfare and to put in place strict sanctions."

Notes:

In August 1999, the Council Directive 1999/74/EC entered into force, introducing a ban on the use of battery cages for the rearing of laying hens, while granting a transitional period of more than 12 years for producers to change their rearing systems.