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Battery cages phased out by 2022: NZ

New Zealand has committed to phasing out battery cages for egg-laying hens, under a new code of animal welfare released by the government.

The new Animal Welfare (Layer Hens) Code of Welfare means that no new battery cages can be installed by producers from 7 December, 2012. A staged phase-out will also commence with battery cages to be completely forbidden by 2022.

Under the code about 45 percent of battery cages will be gone by 2018.

But it's not all good news for the hens, with stuff.co.nz reporting that they could still be held in colony cages, larger than battery cages, but still controversial and may or may not provide the animals with outdoor access.

Animal welfare group SAFE, is arguing that the code doesn't do enough for animal welfare, and the Egg Producers Federation is arguing that the phase-out period is too short and will force some farmers out of business.

Primary Industries minister, David Carter, said a more immediate ban is not possible because it could have adverse effects on egg prices, industry structure and the stablility of egg supply.

"The phased approach balances the welfare of layer hens with the time needed for producers to transition to other systems," he said.


 

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