There are over 25 million hens, plus millions of male chicks, who are used by the Australian egg industry every year.
This industry is divided across three primary farming methods – battery cages, barn-laid and free range. This separation in farming styles has led to eggs becoming one of the most confusing and debated animal products on the market.
In ‘Unscrambled: The hidden truth of hen welfare in the Australian egg industry’, Voiceless has assessed the key animal protection issues with the use of battery cages, barn-laid and free range systems from an animal welfare and scientific perspective.
Specifically, this Report reviews:
- Welfare concerns of battery cages, and the need for a phase out;
- Failure of current government regulations;
- International standards and progress in Australia;
- Comparison of egg farming: battery cage, barn-laid and free range; and
- Inherent cruelties in egg farming across all production systems – cage, barn-laid and free range.
For the full report see https://www.voiceless.org.au/unscrambled-hidden-truth-hen-welfare