On June 30th, the National Farm Animal Care Council released the Draft version of the Code of practice for the care and handling of laying hens for public comment. The Draft Code is the result of more than four years of hard work by industry groups, scientists, academics, producers, retailers, humane societies and SPCA's and marks some real improvements for Canada's 28 million laying hens.
The new proposed Codes will phase out the use of barren battery cages, but continue to allow producers to house hens in "enriched" cages. While enriched cages are an improvement over conventional battery cages, successfully managed cage-free systems offer the best opportunity for the welfare for hens. Cage-free systems offer hens more space, higher perches, better nest boxes and litter to dustbathe and they are better for producers as well.
Big brands like McDonald's, Tim Hortons, Loblaw, Sobeys, A&W and Walmart have all committed to sourcing and selling only cage-free eggs to meet consumer demands for better lives for laying hens. Retail and restaurant commitments mean that 75% of Canadian laying hens must be cage-free by 2025. But to get there, Canadian producers need to start transitioning now.
Sign on to support our submission to the Code Development Committee asking that all Canadian hens are cage-free.
