Two historically at-odds groups—the United Egg Producers (UEP) and the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS)—have reached a groundbreaking agreement that will revolutionize the treatment of the 280 million egg-laying hens in US factory farms. The proposed federal legislation aims to replace conventional “battery cages” with more spacious “colony cages,” to limit the ammonia levels in factor farms, to prohibit the forced molting of hens by starvation and to allow birds enough freedom to engage in natural behaviors like pecking, nesting and perching. In addition, the bill mandates the labeling of egg cartons to reflect how the birds were treated. The bill, if enacted, will be the first federal law relating to the treatment of animals on farms in 30 years. The initial agreement stipulates that the new factory standards be fully phased in within 15 years, although many requirements such as the molting and ammonia standards, will be implemented immediately. The bill is expected to cost the egg industry around $4 billion dollars and may result in increased egg prices to consumers. Despite higher costs, the egg industry will have to adhere to the legislation; if eggs and egg producers don't meet the proposed requirements, they will no longer be able to be sold within the United States. Eggs imported into the United States must also follow the new guidelines. Animal welfare groups, including Farm Sanctuary and HSUS, have been fighting to pass farm animal protection legislation for over 25 years. Through a series of investigative reports, statewide ballot initiatives and substantial letter-writing campaigns, the groups have finally convinced the multi-billion-dollar powerhouse that is the UEP that improving conditions for hens is in everyone's best interest. “We strongly believe our commitment to a national standard for hen welfare is in the best interest of our animals, customers and consumers,” stated UEP Chairman Bob Krouse in a recent press release. “We are committed to working together for the good of hens in our care and believe a national standard is far superior that a patchwork of state laws and regulations.” Farm Sanctuary expects the legislation to be introduced into both the House and Senate within the next few weeks. BM
