ACT Government putting layer hens first

RSPCA ACT today applauded the ACT Government’s and Pace Farms decision to convert their cage egg facility in Canberra to cage free.

CEO Michael Linke said the announcement sent a strong signal that the intensive confinement of layer hens is no longer acceptable.

“This decision by the ACT Government and Pace Farms is fantastic news for hens,” said Mr Linke.

“RSPCA ACT has campaigned for this for the last 20 years and it’s great to see our hard work and commitment to animal welfare has finally paid off.”

“The Government has put animal welfare first - and that’s a welcome shift in thinking.

“We know the vast majority of Australians prefer to eat humanely produced eggs and as more people find out how their food is produced they are finding intensive confinement of farm animals unacceptable.

“We’re seeing supermarkets stocking up on higher welfare products as a direct result of this demand, as well as growing interest from manufacturers and food service sectors in sourcing humanely farmed products.

RSPCA has long campaigned for a ban on caged hens and works to educate consumers about where their food comes from and increase demand for higher welfare products through its Humane Food programs, RSPCA Approved Farming and Choose Wisely and its most recent campaign Hens Deserve Better www.hensdeservebetter.org.au.