April 17, 2025
The report reveals the abuses in cage farming.
The report reveals the abuses in cage farming.
In 2024, Otwarte Klatki approached Expertise for Animals with a clear request: We were asked to analyze video footage from a large industrial egg farm.
Our team evaluated the material from an animal welfare perspective. We compiled a comprehensive, English-language report and delivered it to Otwarte Klatki at the end of 2024. Based on our findings, the organization published a Polish report that summarizes our conclusions and exposes the welfare issues in caged hen systems.
We are grateful to Otwarte Klatki for entrusting us with this assignment and for the opportunity to support their important work with our expertise.
The footage documents the living conditions of hens kept in enriched cages. Within the European Union, the use of enriched cages for laying hens is permitted until 2027. In Germany, this form of housing remains legal until the end of 2025, when a ban on caged systems will come into effect. Enriched cage systems provide hens with slightly more space and include some basic features such as perches, scratching areas, and nest boxes.
In our report, we identify the health impacts of limited movement, stress, and restricted social interaction as key concerns in the observed housing conditions.
Our analysis reveals a number of welfare-relevant issues, including:
The footage clearly shows that even enriched cages cause pain, suffering, and harm.
The structural deficiencies of cage systems cannot be corrected through minor improvements such as enrichments.
You can find the Polish-language report „Problemy dobrostanowe kur w systemie klatkowym” hier.
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