Battery cage ban - the final countdown

Published 27/09/2011

As the countdown to the EU barren battery cage ban enters its final 100 days, Compassion in World Farming is still very concerned by the lack of compliance in some EU countries.

The baffling lack of readiness of countries including Greece, France, Italy and Spain is a source of concern to Compassion and we are pushing the European Commission to make it clear there will be consequences for non-compliance.

The Eurozone crisis has prompted some to suggest that this is not the best time for a ban - they are ignoring the fact that member states will have had more than 12 years to make changes which would make a positive difference to the lives of millions of EU hens.

Having had since 1999 to make the necessary changes to obey the new law, which comes into force on 1st January 2012, we are amazed that the marker of 100 days to go has been passed with some nations still not taking robust action to make sure they are ready.

The good news is that many countries, including the UK, Germany, Austria and Sweden, are ready for the ban but this adds another impetus for laggard states to fall into line in the interests of fairness to the farmers in those many nations who have invested the time and effort necessary to obey the new law.

So, with the final countdown well underway, Compassion is urging its supporters to write to EU Commissioner John Dalli to ensure there are no extensions and no delays.

Follow the final countdown with us at http://www.ciwf.org.uk/our-campaigns/egg-laying-hens/