Scotland ready for cage ban

Lochhead insists ’no excuse’ for EU countries not complying after 13 year lead-in

With only ten member states on course to meet the EU’s 2012 ban on conventional battery hen cages, Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead is adamant that there is ’no excuse’ for countries not prepared given there has been a 13 year lead-in.

The new welfare rules, which were set in 1999, require more living space for hens as well as areas to express normal behaviour, such as perching, scratching and nesting. It has been illegal to build or bring into use new conventional cages since January 1, 2003.

Over this period, it is estimated that major Scottish producers have invested around 100 million pounds in either new enriched cage houses or new free range systems.

Mr Lochhead said:

"Consumers should be able to purchase eggs confident in the knowledge that they adhere to the necessary welfare standards.

"At least 11 million hens could still be held in conventional battery cages in the EU come January, with very limited room to move. This is unacceptable. It is also unfair that some member states will not implement these welfare rules when Scottish producers have invested heavily to meet the new animal welfare requirements.

"The UK Government must maintain pressure on EU to sort this out. It will be nonsensical if egg producers across Europe are simply allowed to flout these rules.

"I call on the Commission to ensure other member states to adhere to the high standards met by Scotland. We absolutely cannot have non-compliant eggs entering the UK market when our producers have stepped up to the mark and abide by the rules."

Background

The ten complying countries are: Cz, Dk, Est, Fin, Ire, Lith, NL, Mal, Sln & the UK. National bans on battery cages have already been implemented in Aus, Lux, D & Swe.