The Commission listened to the demands of EU consumers and has taken concrete action to improve the welfare of laying hens. The report today shows that there is scientific and economic support for the ban on conventional battery cages. We are maintaining the deadline of 2012 for banning conventional battery cages, as there is no reason to postpone it. I urge operators to start phasing out the use of these cages as soon as possible so that there is full compliance with the EU ban by the deadline of 2012.
Markos Kyprianou, Commissioner for Health. Animal Welfare: Commission report confirms the potential benefits of banning conventional battery cages for laying hens European Union news release.
