July 14, 2010

Battery Cages

American egg factory farms cram more than 90 percent of the country's 280 million egg-laying hens into barren cages so small the birds can't even spread their wings.

Each hen has less space than a sheet of paper on which to spend her entire life. Virtually unable to move, these animals can't perch, nest, or dust bathe.

The science is clear that these animals endure lives filled with suffering.

Hens are typically jammed into cage-filled sheds by the hundreds of thousands, causing environmental degradation—especially manure-related pollution. For this reason, numerous environmental organizations are in favor of the egg industry switching to cage-free systems.

Studies have also shown that not confining animals in cages may also improve food safety. Here's a quick look at some of our work to free hens from cages:

State Laws

The HSUS routinely supports bills in state legislatures across the country to ban battery cages.

In 2008, The HSUS was the primary sponsor of California's Prop 2—the Prevention of Farm Animal Cruelty Act—which passed by a landslide 63.5% vote. This law makes it a criminal offense (with a phase-out period) to confine hens in cages, pigs in gestation crates, and calves in veal crates.

Michigan has passed a similar law to California's Prop 2. And Ohio, the nation's second-largest egg-producing state, announced its intent to place a moratorium on new cage egg production facilities. Additionally, California recently passed a law that requires all whole eggs sold statewide to be cage-free by 2015.

Corporations

Across the country, major corporations from mom-and-pop stores to retail giants are joining with The HSUS in taking a stand against cage cruelty. Sara Lee, Hellmann's mayonnaise, and dozens of restaurant chains—including Starbucks, Wolfgang Puck, Burger King, Denny's, Carl's Jr., Hardee's, Subway, and more—have begun converting to cage-free eggs. Compass Group, the world's largest foodservice provider, has switched roughly 100 million eggs to cage-free. And supermarket chains including Wal-Mart and Costco have exclusively cage-free private lines of eggs, while others like Harris Teeter and Safeway have increased their sales of cage-free eggs.

Schools

According to the Sustainable Endowments Institute, 64% of universities are using cage-free eggs—hundreds of them after working with The HSUS. They include Le Cordon Bleu culinary institutes, University of Florida, UCLA, Harvard, Princeton, and many more.

Individuals

The HSUS offers materials that make it easier for consumers to avoid cage eggs—and that's one of the ways you can help! Look through our guide to egg carton labels, our egg alternatives list, and dozens of delicious, humane recipes.