HEN REPORT SLAMMED

A recently released report once again shows how supposed scientific research is being used to justify keeping layer hens in cruel cages in New Zealand. SAFE calls the report ‘selective science.'

The report, commissioned by MAF, was intended to provide the National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee (NAWAC) with scientific information on which to base its recommendations for the upcoming review of the layer hen code of welfare.

"It is clear however that this report was designed with only one outcome in mind, namely to make battery hen cages appear acceptable on welfare grounds," says SAFE campaign director Hans Kriek.

"The report is flawed as it fails to address the most important areas that help measure the welfare for laying hens. It completely ignores the behavioural requirements of hens and makes no attempt to investigate the importance of innate behaviours such as wing flapping, nest building, dust bathing, preening or even walking."

"The report does not even address the crucial issue of leg and bone weakness caused by osteoporosis, an affliction widespread in layer hens overseas. The only conclusion we can deduce from this report is that the key welfare factors were carefully ignored to avoid damage to the caged hen industry in New Zealand," says Hans.

Another major failing of the report is the manner in which stress levels in birds were examined. Researchers screened bird litter for corticosterone concentrations and concluded that battery hens have similar stress levels to free-range hens. It is important to note however that corticosterone is produced by animals experiencing either stress or excitement, so no reasonable conclusions can be drawn from this misleading research.

The report concludes that, like free-range and barn hens, caged hens "appear" to adapt to their environment comparatively well.

"It is obvious that all creatures to some extent adapt to their environment, especially if they don't have any choice, but to say that battery hens are coping with their environment is nonsense and flies in the face of a huge amount of international research," says Hans.

"The fact remains that battery hen cages are cruel and fail to comply with the obligations of the Animal Welfare Act 1999. There is little doubt however that NAWAC will use this report as an excuse to not make any meaningful improvements for the country's three million battery hens."

SAFE expects the impending review of the layer hen code of welfare later this year will follow the same farcical process as in previous years. NAWAC will allow the large egg producers who operate caged systems to continue to operate, and the hens will once again miss out.

"It is now more important than ever before that consumers take action and stop buying battery eggs. When enough people boycott these cruelly produced eggs, supermarkets and other retailers will stop stocking them. This approach succeeded overseas, so we must ensure the same happens here, for the birds' sake," says Hans.

Minister challenged

SAFE has begun demonstrating outside the Minister of Agriculture David Carter's office in Christchurch to raise awareness of the plight of battery hens.

"Our protest was met with support and enthusiasm from the public with hundreds of honks from passing motorists," says SAFE campaign officer Sacha Dowell. "We plan to stage fortnightly vigils to help pressure the Minister of Agriculture to phase out battery cages."

Email sacha@safe.org.nz if you can attend or are interested in joining us in the future.

SAFE's Freedom for hens campaign

SAFE's campaign against battery cages spanning over 20 years is paying off, rejoices SAFE campaign director Hans Kriek. "SAFE has ensured a greater nationwide awareness of the cruelty behind producing battery eggs. It has resulted in dramatic consumer boycotts of caged eggs. It has prompted a demand for alternative systems that offer better welfare conditions for the birds and most recently, industry leaders have bowed to SAFE's pressure. We are achieving success! "

Prize winning float for hens

The annual Hastings Blossom Parade in Hawke's Bay included an unusual entry this year in the form of an eye-catching SAFE float protesting against battery hen farming. The fantastic looking SAFE entry was judged the 'Most Unusual' float and awarded $500 in prize money!

SAFE volunteers dressed as chickens stood inside a decorated mobile cage to represent caged hens, while SAFE's 'ex-battery hen' mascot Hetty and other ‘hens' carried banners behind the float reading ‘Free the Hens.'

Float organiser Donna Powell reported that they had tremendous support from the public and received a mention in the local newspaper. Well done to our Hawke's Bay group and especially Donna who endured painful blisters from walking the long distance in the Hetty costume.

Caged hens get minor reprieve

Battery cages that provide birds with 450cm2 of space are now illegal in New Zealand. As from 1 January 2008 all cages must have door openings that cover the full height and width of the cage and hens must be provided with 500cm2 of space.

"While these changes do little to improve the welfare of New Zealand's three million battery hens, it is good to see these older-style cages finally disappear," says SAFE campaign director Hans Kriek.

"These older- styled battery cages have tormented hens for decades and would result in unacceptable levels of leg and wing injuries and broken bones caused when removing the fragile and terrified birds at the time of slaughter through tiny access panels at the front of each cage."

"Lets not make a mistake by believing that the newer cages are any better," says Hans. "These cages are still barren, overcrowded and cruel. The hens still have less than an A4 sheet of paper of floor space to live on, still have to stand on a wire or plastic netting floor and still have no access to nest boxes, soil to peck and scratch in or a perch to sleep on."

Interestingly, these same cages that New Zealand introduces as so-called ‘improved cages' will be banned by 2012 on cruelty grounds throughout Europe! While Europe appears to be ahead with their welfare legislation, the future for their hens is still looking very bleak. Despite a strong increase in free-range farming, most European hens will continue to live their short lives inside cages. Europe will allow so-called environment-enriched cages to be used as an alternative cage system. Environment-enriched cages house up to 60 birds per cage with each bird still not having more space than an A4 sheet of paper. The only improvements will be that the hens will have access to nest boxes and a perch to sleep on. Painful beak trimming will still be carried out and the birds will never experience a normal life living outdoors.

SAFE will continue to call for a boycott of all cage-produced eggs.

Egg labelling victory

Two of New Zealand's largest battery hen producers have bowed to pressure following SAFE's campaign calling for mandatory labelling of egg cartons. No sooner had SAFE presented its 51,438-signature petition to the Minister of Consumer Affairs, Judith Tizard, and Green MP, Sue Kedgley, at Parliament than Mainland Poultry and Independent Egg Producers announced they would start labelling their battery eggs.

"It is the first positive move by an extremely cruel industry," says Hans. Our petition has prompted the leading industry players to introduce a voluntary labelling scheme that will see 85 per cent of New Zealand's battery eggs labelled as ‘Cage Eggs'.

"SAFE has been calling for an end to misleading labels such as ‘Farm Fresh' for years so, assuming the new labelling standards proposed by the industry are genuine, this is a triumphant occasion for consumers and caged hens."

SAFE continues to press for mandatory egg labelling legislation to prevent the remaining egg producers from confusing and misleading consumers. "Eight out of ten New Zealanders oppose battery hen farming and we expect fewer battery eggs will be sold once proper labelling clearly identifies egg production methods."

Take Action

Write to your local MP and ask them to lobby the Minister of Agriculture, David Carter, by asking him to:

Introduce a phase-out period of five years for battery cages; Explain why he has ignored the RRC recommendations; and Explain why he is ignoring New Zealanders who overwhelmingly want cages banned.

IN THE MEDIA