It's Time to Ban the Battery Cage

For the millions of hens confined in battery cages unable even to spread their wings, 2010 should have been a year of hope.

The 'Code of Practice' that permits this cruelty was meant to be scheduled for government review, which would very likely have led to a decision to phase out the battery cage. Despite a written commitment by government in the current Code to review it in 2010, no review has happened then or since.

Australia is already behind EU developments where the barren battery cage was banned from the beginning of 2012. The EU decision was based on comprehensive scientific evidence that presented an indisputable argument that the battery cage should be banned. A recent national survey showed that 86% of Australians believe that the battery cage is cruel.

As the Australian government will inevitably give producers a phase out time it is crucial that the Primary Industries Ministerial Council (PIMC) prioritises a review of the poultry code so that battery cages will be banned as soon as possible.

Hens need your help to call on the PIMC to schedule a review of the Poultry Code as soon as possible, and importantly, to announce a ban on the battery cage.

Take Action!

Subject: (please enter a subject line) Dear Decision Maker, (please edit the letter below, or send as-is) I write to ask you as a member of the Primary Industries Ministerial Council to review the Model Code of Practice for the Welfare or Animals - Domestic Poultry (4th Edition) as soon as possible. The current code, which was endorsed by PIMC Ministers in 2002, states, 'This Code of Practice will be further reviewed in 2010, although an earlier review will be implemented if technologies offering significant welfare benefits are available.' This deadline is now well and truly past and yet no review has occurred or is scheduled. A recent Newspoll survey revealed that 86% of Australians believe that the battery cage is cruel. With the EU having banned the battery cage, from the beginning of 2012, the failure to even review this code shows Australia as lagging behind the rest of the world in animal welfare standards. I implore you to fulfill the written commitment to review the Poultry Code of Practice and to schedule this important review as soon as possible. Sincerely, Your Name

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