March 29, 2007

New Hampshire votes against bigger chicken cages

Lawmakers in the US state of New Hampshire this week struck down a bill which stipulated that cages of egg-laying hens cages must be big enough to allow them to spread their wings.

A movement starting from the EU calling for better welfare for farmed animals has reached across the Atlantic and taken hold in the north-eastern states of the US.

Supporters have voiced their opinion saying that chickens should not be kept in cages that limit their movement and that don't allow birds to spread their wings.

However, they acknowledged there was no evidence of abuse in the state where health is concerned.

According to the critics, however, the production methods are scientifically accepted and necessary to manage the health and vitality of the flock.

The ban also would have applied to turkey, duck, goose and guinea used to produce eggs.

The state also struck down a proposed law that would have required it to buy its eggs from farmers who do not confine their hens in the small cages.