Confined with the amount of space about the size of a piece of notebook paper to live in for their entire lives, the existence of egg-laying hens is nothing short of miserable. While many consider this extreme confinement to be inhumane, it's been a standard practice for many egg producers and affects an estimated 280 million hens in the U.S.
Proposed legislation supported by the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) and the United Egg Producers (UEP) would transition hens from standard battery cages to enriched colony housing that would offer them the opportunity to enjoy nesting boxes, perches, scratch areas and enough space to stretch, move around and engage in natural behaviors.
It would also prohibit force molting by withholding food and water, require standards for euthanasia, prohibit excessive ammonia in facilities and require standardized labeling on egg-cartons that would allow consumers to make informed choices about their purchases. Additionally, it would prevent the sales of eggs and egg products that don't meet these standards. If passed, it would take effect next June and become fully implemented by 2029.
Additionally, it would be the first piece of federal legislation enacted in the U.S. to protect farm animals.
As a consumer and someone who is concerned with the welfare of animals, I urge you to support the proposed legislation backed by the Humane Society of the United States and the United Egg Producers that would phase out the use of small battery cages for egg-laying hens in the U.S.
Even though it's considered a standard industry practice, confining chickens to cages so small they cannot even stretch their wings is inhumane and causes suffering for an estimated 280 million hens in the country. Not only will this legislation provide them with more space, but it will add other provisions, such as prohibiting forced molting where they are starved to alter their egg-laying cycles.
Please support this landmark legislation that will mark the first time a federal law was put in place in the U.S. not only to provide protection for hens, but to send a message that the welfare and humane treatment of animals in agriculture is important.
