Leslie Massey
Battery cages are small, barren wire cages used to house egg-laying hens. Each hen is confined to a space smaller than an A4 piece of paper, unable to move around freely, stretch, or flap her wings. In Australia, over 10 million hens are kept in battery cages, and while the country plans to phase out battery cages by 2036, animal welfare groups argue that this is too far away, and the practice should be banned as soon as possible.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Current status of battery cages in Australia | Legal in every state and territory except the ACT |
| Public opinion on battery cages | 3 in 4 Australians are concerned about the welfare of battery-caged hens, 8 in 10 want to see battery cages phased out, 61% of respondents have bought ‘free range’ or ‘humanely’ derived animal products on animal welfare grounds |
| Number of hens affected | 10-11 million |
| Year of planned phase-out | 2036 |
| Year EU banned battery cages | 2012 |
| Year New Zealand banned battery cages | 2012 |
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What You'll Learn
The impact of battery cages on hen welfare
Battery cages are small, barren wire cages, about 40cm tall, used to house egg-laying hens. There are 4-7 hens confined to each cage, standing on a wire floor all day and night. Each hen has less space than a piece of A4 paper, not enough room to move around freely, stretch, or flap her wings. The cages have sloped floors so that when an egg is laid, it rolls out of the cage into a trough.
Hens in battery cages are unable to take part in natural behaviours such as dust bathing, foraging, or even walking. They demonstrate fewer pleasure behaviours such as wing flapping and tail wagging, and more unwanted behaviours such as feather pecking due to frustration and aggression. Some types of battery cages may cause injury to hens who can get stuck in the wiring.
The RSPCA believes the needs and welfare of layer hens are best met in a well-managed cage-free system. The organisation can only prosecute when someone is breaking the law or contravening the regulations that set minimum standards for battery cages. In Australia, battery cages are still legal in every state and territory except the ACT.
There has been a large amount of pressure on factory farms raising laying hens from animal rights and welfare organisations to move away from battery cages and toward cage-free or pasture-raised housing systems. Many major food brands are also moving away from using cage eggs. Australia was planning to phase out caged eggs by 2036, but one state, NSW, is threatening to derail that.
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The legality of battery cages in Australia
Battery cages are small, barren wire cages, about 40 cm tall, used to house egg-laying hens. There are typically 4-7 hens confined to each cage, standing on a wire floor all day and night. Each hen has less space than a piece of A4 paper.
In Australia, battery cages are currently legal in every state and territory except the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), which banned them in 2014. There are plans to phase out battery cages by 2036, but this has faced criticism for not going far enough to protect animal welfare. The RSPCA has called for Agriculture Ministers to implement the Standards into state/territory regulation. The RSPCA can only prosecute when someone is breaking the law or contravening the regulations that set minimum standards for battery cages.
The proposed phase-out of battery cages by 2036 is intended to bring Australian agriculture closer to international scientific consensus and public opinion on the issue. Most OECD nations have banned battery cages or are in the process of doing so. The European Union, New Zealand, and some American states committed to phasing out cages from 2012. However, Australia is lagging behind, with caged layer hen farming still making up more than sixty per cent of total egg production.
The welfare issues associated with battery cages are well-documented. Hens are denied the ability to perform many of their natural behaviours, such as foraging, nesting, perching, dust bathing, and walking around. They cannot stretch their wings, fly, or move away from other hens. The high-stress environment and lack of exercise can lead to various health issues, including feather loss, painful foot problems, and even liver rupture and death.
There is strong public support in Australia for improving the welfare of battery-caged hens. A 2014 Voiceless national survey found that 61% of respondents had bought 'free-range' or 'humanely' derived animal products on animal welfare grounds. Additionally, 8 in 10 Australians want to see battery cages phased out.
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Public opinion on battery cages in Australia
Public opinion in Australia is largely against the use of battery cages. RSPCA Australia's 2020 survey found that 84% of Australians oppose battery cages. This is reflected in the huge number of public submissions made on draft poultry standards, with an unprecedented 170,000 submissions reflecting the public interest in the issue. The vast majority supported a ban on battery cages.
The public's stance is based on the belief that hens are sentient, intelligent beings that deserve a good life. This view is supported by animal welfare organisations like the RSPCA, which has called for an end to the outdated farming system of battery cages. The RSPCA can only prosecute when someone is breaking the law or contravening the regulations that set minimum standards for battery cages. Currently, in every state and territory except the ACT, battery cages are still legal.
The public's opposition to battery cages is also influenced by the fact that Australia is lagging behind international standards. Most OECD nations have banned battery cages or are in the process of doing so. Europe, the UK, and New Zealand have already banned battery cages, and Australia's slow progress could threaten trade deals with these regions.
Despite the public's clear stance, the Australian government, backed by state Agriculture Ministers, has allowed the continuation of battery cages until 2036. This decision has been met with widespread criticism from animal welfare organisations arguing that it prioritises cheap eggs and the interests of cage-egg producers over the welfare of millions of animals.
The public's role in advocating for change is crucial. Joining or supporting organisations that campaign against battery cages can pressure the industry and governments to reform their practices. This has been seen in other countries, and the same can be achieved in Australia. Educating oneself and others about the conditions under which hens in battery cages live is also essential to inspire more people to join the cause and advocate for change.
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The phase-out of battery cages in Australia
Battery cages are small, barren wire cages that are used to house egg-laying hens. There are 4-7 hens confined to each cage, standing on a wire floor all day and night. Each hen has less space than a piece of A4 paper. There is not enough room for each hen to move around freely, stretch, or flap her wings. They are also unable to perform their natural behaviours, such as nesting, perching, dust bathing, or walking around.
The use of battery cages in Australia is currently legal in every state and territory except the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), which ended battery cages in 2014. The national Animal Welfare Standards and Guidelines for Poultry include a phase-out of barren battery cages no later than 2036. However, this will only come into effect if states and territories commit to implementing the Standards. While this is a positive step, it is important to note that this prolonged transition period prioritises the continued availability of cheap battery cage eggs and the interests of cage-egg producers over the welfare of millions of animals.
There is strong public support for a ban on battery cages in Australia, with research finding that 3 in 4 Australians are concerned about the welfare of battery-caged hens, and 8 in 10 want to see battery cages phased out. Additionally, a 2014 Voiceless national survey of 1,041 adult Australians found that 61% of respondents had bought 'free-range' or 'humanely' derived animal products on animal welfare grounds. This is consistent with a 2011 Voiceless study, which found that 80% of individuals supported a battery cage ban.
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Alternatives to battery cages
Battery cages have been banned in several countries, including all European Union member states since 2012, Norway since 2012, Switzerland since 1992, Austria since 2009, Germany since 2015, and New Zealand (by 2022) due to concerns about impaired hen welfare. Belgium has prohibited battery cages for meat rabbits since 2020. Canada will follow suit by 2036. Outside of the EU, Switzerland has banned both battery and furnished cage systems.
Some alternatives to battery cages include:
- Furnished cages: These cages are designed to address some of the welfare concerns of battery cages while retaining their economic and husbandry advantages. Furnished cages provide more space than traditional battery cages, with a minimum of 750 cm2 of cage area per hen, and a total cage area of 2,000 cm2, allowing for a maximum of two laying hens in the smallest of cages. They also have features such as perches and nest boxes. Furnished cages have been criticised for still being too small and inhumane.
- Deep litter system: This system can be implemented with or without an outdoor run.
- Aviary system: This system has been found to be the most economically viable alternative, and also provides hens with access to an outdoor run, allowing them to express natural behaviours more easily. However, it is associated with a higher risk of mortality due to cannibalism and disease.
- Free-range and barn systems: These systems have been found to reduce stress levels in hens and result in fewer eggs with calcium or blood spots, which are indicators of stress or injury in hens.
- 'Park cages': In this system, groups of at least 20 animals are given 800 cm2 per animal. However, this system has faced heavy criticism from animal welfare activists.
- 'Family cage': This system, introduced in Germany, provides more space than furnished cages used in other countries.
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Frequently asked questions
No, battery cages are not banned in Australia. However, there is a plan to phase them out by 2036.
Battery cages are small, barren wire cages, about 40 cm tall, used to house egg-laying hens. There are 4-7 hens confined to each cage, standing on a wire floor all day and night. Each hen has less space than a piece of A4 paper.
Battery cages do not provide enough room for each hen to move around freely, stretch, or flap her wings. Hens are unable to perform their natural behaviours, such as foraging, nesting, perching, dust bathing, or walking around. This causes harm to their health and welfare.
The RSPCA, Voiceless, and other animal welfare organisations are advocating for a ban on battery cages. The public also largely supports a phase-out, with 8 in 10 Australians wanting to see battery cages phased out. State and territory agriculture ministers must endorse and enact regulations to bring new standards into effect. Individuals can contact their local MPs and government representatives to voice their support for a ban.
Many countries have banned battery cages, including all members of the European Union, New Zealand, and some American states, which began phasing out battery cages in 2012. Most OECD nations have banned battery cages or are in the process of doing so.
