Greens MP Ian Cohen will move a disallowance motion in Parliament today in an attempt to stop Primary Industries Minister Ian Macdonald from subjecting layer hens to battery cages for decades to come.
The motion will be against a new regulation – ironically under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act - that will mandate that industry make a small increase in cage size for battery egg hens in return for government guarantees that the industry can continue on with status quo in NSW.
Ian Cohen will today speak at a joint press conference with Animal Liberation and the Shooters Party.
“These cages should not be allowed in a civilised society and the government should get rid of them,” said Mr Cohen.
“Minister Ian Macdonald is selling capitulation to the battery egg industry’s demands to continue egg production with cramped wire cage conditions as an ‘improvement’ in animal welfare – it’s an absurd and disingenuous position.
“The truth is that this regulation – if successful - will condemn tens of millions of hens in NSW to a miserable life as the industry invests in new wire cages instead of investing in the transition to barn or free range production that consumers are increasingly demanding.
“Ian Macdonald had an opportunity to put animal welfare ahead of battery egg profits, but he’s blown it.
“Battery cages have been banned by many countries throughout the world including in Sweden, Finland, Switzerland, Germany, Austria, and Norway. The European Union countries are phasing them out and there will be a total ban by 2012.
“The Minister is not helping the industry with this decision. Consumers are increasingly demanding cruelty free eggs which means a phase out of battery cages in Australia is inevitable,” Mr Cohen said.
Further Information: Ian Cohen: 0409 989 466
To arrange an interview call Nic Clyde on 0417 742 754
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