The EC wants to extend the ban on caged animal husbandry

The European Commission (EC) wants to extend the ban on caged animal husbandry. The EC has decided to respond positively to the European Citizens' Initiative entitled 'Let's End Cage Farming', which has been supported by more than a million citizens across the European Union. "This citizens' initiative reflects the call for a shift to more ethical and sustainable farming systems, including a revision of existing EU animal welfare rules," the Commission said on its website on Wednesday. At present, cage rules only apply to laying hens, broilers, sows and calves. The European Commission therefore undertakes to present a legislative proposal by the end of 2023 for the phasing out and, finally, a ban on caging of all the animals listed in the initiative. These are rabbits, young, laying hens, broilers, quails, ducks and geese. With regard to these animals, the Commission has already asked the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) to supplement the existing scientific evidence in order to determine the conditions necessary to ban cages. "Animals are sentient beings and we have a moral and social responsibility to ensure that this is reflected in the conditions in which they behave," said Stella Kyriakides, EU Commissioner for Health and Food Safety. "A sustainable food system cannot exist without high animal welfare standards. Thanks to our citizens, the European Commission's goal in this regard will be even more ambitious, namely to phase out the use of cage systems, "said Janusz Wojciechowski, EU Commissioner for Agriculture.