How multi-tier won RSPCA support

The RSPCA has decided that multi-tier systems can become a key weapon in its battle to get cages banned from Britain completely by 2012.

In its lobbying of the egg industry and the Government the strongest argument it faced was on replacement costs. Figures accepted by the Government show that if conventional cages were banned the cost of converting to free range would be between £4.78 - £5.53 per bird per year more than changing to enriched cages. In order to overturn this argument the Society commissioned research involving case studies with existing egg producers. It discovered an economic alternative to cage systems—the multi-tier barn.

It’s figures show that the cost of a cage producer converting to an aviary compared to enriched cages would be just 1p - 30p per hen per year more with an existing building and between nil and 49p more for a farmer starting from scratch.

In a press release headlined “Report leaves door open for barn systems” it says: “New independent research shows that higher welfare multi-tier barn systems offer egg producers a real financial alternative to cruel cage systems—a fact that egg producers have been unaware of until now.”

The Society’s head of external affairs, David Bowles, said: “Cost can no longer be used as an excuse for not banning all cage systems for laying hens.”


The RSPCA has also spent tens of thousands of pounds on an advertising blast in up-market newspapers highlighting the fact that Germany is already committed to an outright cage ban.

The half-page ads, which show a score line of “Germany 1, England 0”, say: “Germany has taken the lead in the fight to ban battery cages (including the new so-called enriched cages) by committing to a total ban from 2012.

“With your support they won’t beat us. Stop buying battery eggs. Start buying free range or barn eggs”.

The future of cages in this country hinges on the review of the Welfare of Laying Hens Directive. Due out in January the review is now expected in the last quarter of this year.