European Parliament Is Determined To Enforce Ban On Battery Cages For Egg-laying Hens

The European Parliament has passed a resolution saying that attempts to evade the EU ban on battery cages for laying hens, which will take effect in January 2012, must be opposed. Battery cages are a form of tight confinement of hens that allows efficient, high volume production of eggs. Animal welfare advocates oppose them as inhumane. The resolution was drafted to prevent unfair competition from producers who continue to use the unlawful confinement methods. According to a European Parliament statement, members want "urgent action" – including “dissuasive sanctions” – to ensure that egg producers comply. Some MEPs worry that serious egg shortages are likely to occur if member states and egg producers not in compliance with the ban are barred marketing their eggs.