Hen welfare
We want hens to live cage-free and roam freely, stretching their wings. They should have space to behave as they are: social and highly active birds. No more being confined within dirty metal bars, crowded in dark sheds. We want to put an end to the endless rows of cages. And we are doing it!
Cage-Free Hens
We have a clear goal: not a single hen in cages. To achieve this, we persuade companies and the egg industry to sign and uphold agreements, and we expose irregularities or welfare washing (when these practices occur), in order to end the cage age.
We will eliminate cages for hens
With our initiative 'Cage-Free Eggs,' we are transforming the sector to put an end to cages once and for all. Bars have never been our thing, but persuading companies certainly is.
What do people think about eliminating cages?
The Animal Welfare Observatory is not alone in this fight. It turns out that 2 out of 3 citizens in Spain are in favor of banning cages for laying hens throughout the European Union. That's a lot of people eager for a change in the lifestyle of hens!
This has led to the incredible European Citizens' Initiative 'End the Cage Age.' And what is that? Essentially, it's a call to ban cages in the European Union and allow laying hens to live, at the very least, cage-free.
“An animal’s freedom of movement shall not be restricted in such a manner as to cause it unnecessary suffering or injury.”
Cage-free eggs: a more ethical option
Did you know that the production of cage-free eggs is not only better for hens, but also ensures greater food safety and is more sustainable?
Here’s the key fact: in 2019, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) concluded that getting rid of cages reduces salmonella poisoning in humans. Less risk for all! But that’s not all, the Federation of Veterinarians of Europe supports a cage-free system of egg production because it allows laying hens to display natural behavior patterns, like scratching and exploring their environment.
On top of that, 2 of every 3 citizens in Spain (yep, that’s 67%) are in favor of banning caged hens in the European Union.
Committed businesses
Thanks to our work, large food businesses have publicly committed to stop using eggs from caged hens.
El Corte Inglés · Starbucks · Dhul · Lidl · Unilever · Nestlé · Burger King · Carrefour · Danone · Aldi · Dulcesol · Barilla · Alcampo · Caprabo · La Sirena · Eroski · Sodexo · Subway · Telepizza · Knorr · Bimbo · Pascual · Accor Hotels · BM · Gallina Blanca · Central Lechera Asturiana · Reina · Gullón · Rana · Gadis · Ametller Origen · Adam Foods · Toridoll · Sorli · DMV · E. Leclerc
“The housing conditions of laying hens clearly affect the level of aggression”.
We are changing the food system from the ground up
The time has come to make great changes. Society is increasingly concerned about animal welfare, so we want legislation that adapts to the demands of citizens.
It’s not just about the welfare of hens, but also about our health. Did you know that the European Union has conducted research about the risks for humans related with caged hens? A 2007 report by the operational group on zoonoses of the European Food Safety Authority uncovered a surprising finding: farms that raised these animals in cages showed a higher risk of strains of salmonella!
What’s more, according to a 2019 report by the European Food Safety Authority’s Panel on Biological Hazards, changing to cage-free farming in Europe has drastically reduced contamination rates for salmonella both on farms and among consumers.
There are many businesses making a commitment to getting rid of cages in their production systems. But we need a law forbidding cages in animal farming Europe-wide, which would bring equality of production conditions to all countries. And if they won’t do it because it’s common sense, they should be made to do it by law.
Are you part of the 67% of the Spanish population that wants to end cages?
We give you the opportunity to do it. Well, actually, you would give us the chance to continue revolutionizing animal welfare to end animals in cages. Sounds good, doesn't it?
