The RSPCA commends the Western Australian Government for being the first jurisdiction to adopt the nationally agreed Poultry Standards — paving the way for a number of substantial animal welfare improvements including a phase out of barren battery cages for layer hens — and looks forward to other states and territories quickly following their lead.
The RSPCA considers the use of battery cages as one of the most serious animal welfare issues in Australia today, due to the millions of hens affected and how severely their welfare is compromised.
On 13 July last year, all of Australia’s Agriculture Ministers agreed to implement the national Animal Welfare Standards and Guidelines for Poultry.
Eighteen months later, the Western Australian Government have now committed to improving the welfare of hens in Western Australia by putting the Standards into regulation.
The ACT banned the use of battery cages in 2014, and the adoption of the Poultry Standards in Western Australia means there will be an immediate ban on the creation of new battery cages in Western Australia as well as a phase out of existing battery cages from 2032.
“The animal welfare science is clear on how significantly hens suffer when they are confined to battery cages,” Dr Suzanne Fowler, Chief Science Officer, RSPCA Australia said.
“Hens confined to battery cages have less space each than a piece of A4 paper. They are unable to express important natural behaviours and many end up with chronic health conditions.
“According to the latest data, over 400,000 layer hens were confined to battery cages in Western Australia.
“We don’t believe there is any reason why other jurisdictions need to wait any longer.
“And on the same day that all state and territory Agriculture Ministers have endorsed a National Statement on Animal Welfare, it's a timely reminder that national consistency in animal welfare regulation is more important than ever — which is why we continue to work with other state and territory governments to see the end of battery cages as soon as possible.”
When all states and territories follow suit and implement the Poultry Standards, Australia will be in line with over 75% of OECD countries, who have either phased out or are committed to phasing out these cruel and confining battery cages.
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