Behind Bars: Why Cage Housing in Laying Hens Should Be Banned
Abstract
The argument about the advantages and disadvantages of cage and cage-free housing in laying hens has long been a hot topic in social and scientific circles. The debate gained popularity again after wide public support and the positive response of the European Commission to the European Citizens' Initiative “End the Cage Age” in 2021. Welfare organizations have set their efforts to transform existing legislation into more ethical and sustainable farming systems based on documented behavior characteristics and enhanced human-to-animal relationships. Recently several reports have been published to offer insights into all questions concerning management, production, health issues, and profitability in the sector. The effect of short-term subsidies and educational programs have also been discussed as future measures if the ban on furnished cages is realized. This article aims to describe and analyze the current situation to search for alternatives that can ease the transition to cage-free husbandry.
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