On June 22, Animal Equality participated in the parliamentary forum “For the End of Cages in the EU.” The Parliamentary Forum is a platform that allows legislators from different countries and political parties to come together to discuss specific topics of mutual interest. The topic of this forum is an act of cruelty that Animal Equality has fought to end for years—locking domestic animals in small cages on factory farms.
In the forum, experts and activists gathered to discuss the sad reality that more than 300 million animals in the European Union (EU). Stressing the urgent need for a solution, Animal Equality was among the participants calling on the Spanish government to support a ban on cages within the European Union.
The event brings together the Parliamentary Association for the Protection of Animal Rights (APDDA), the Senate and the Departments of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPA), Animal Equality, Compassion in World Agriculture (CIWF) and the NGO Equalia collaborate on such efforts as the “End The Cage Age” coalition.
Initiative “End of the Cage Age”
In June 2021, the European Commission agreed to consider the initiative “End the Age of Cages”. This initiative aims to ban the use of cages for animals such as hens, calves and pigs. More than 1.4 million citizens have signed a petition in support of the initiative. In response to public outcry, the European Commission committed to proposing legislation by 2023 to phase out the use of cages, both in EU member states and for imports.
The progress made in Spain represents a significant step forward in protecting animals from the cruel meat and dairy industry.. By fighting for an end to captivity, Spain We are paving the way for a future where all animals are respected and protected, and empowering consumers to choose plant-based alternatives.
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The driving force behind our constant struggle for change
Among all EU member states, Spain has the highest number of caged animals, reaching a staggering 87%. Animals such as chickens, rabbits, pigs, calves, ducks, quails, geese are subjected to extreme confinement, barely able to move. For example, hens and rabbits are often given a space smaller than a standard sheet of paper.
Animals deserve a cage-free life. By partnering with so many other organizations, we have the power to create a cage-free future for farm animals. The Spanish government must commit to ending the cage system, one of the crueltiest in industrial farming.
Javier Moreno, Co-Founder and Director of Communications of Animal Equality Spain
How cages negatively affect an animal’s physical and mental health:
- Deprivation act: Animals in cages are taken away ability to express their natural behavior. For social animals like chickens and pigs, this can be especially worrisome because they are unable to form bonds or exhibit social dynamics.
- Health problems: Cage confinement contributes to a host of health problems. For example, hens raised in battery cages often suffer from osteoporosis and fractures due to lack of exercise and space to engage, such as perching and scratching. Constricted environments also promote the spread of disease and parasites, as the animals are kept close together and have limited access to fresh air and sunlight.
- Psychological stress: Continuous exposure to confinement causes significant psychological distress to caged animals. They cannot experience the richness of their environment or exercise their natural instincts. This chronic stress can lead to abnormal behaviors such as repetitive movements.
- Lack of comfort: Cages often provide little or inadequate litter, flooring or nesting material, resulting in animal discomfort. Hard surfaces or wire mesh can cause pain, injury and pressure sores.
Breaking the norm: Global movement towards banning animal cages
Animal Equality Company, a global leader in animal welfare advocacy, continues to fight for the end of cages in industrial farming. Our team in Spain has called on the Spanish government to remain committed to complying with the proposed legislation and to work with European partners to ensure the achievement of the intended objectives.
In line with our global mission, Animal Equality has been actively involved in campaigns outside Spain’s borders to ban cages worldwide. In the United States, we have been working to address this through corporate outreach.
We are working closely with Open Wing Alliance, join forces with more than 90 organizations worldwide to end the use of hen cages. Through these campaigns, the alliance has achieved nearly 2,500 company cage-free policies that help protect hens from the most stringent forms of confinement. Not only do we make sure companies are held accountable, but we also ask them to report on their progress.
Last year, in January, Animal Equality launched a campaign targeting popular restaurant chain Denny’s in the United States. The campaign calls for Denny’s to remove so-called ‘pregnancy crates’ for pregnant sows from its supply chain. These metal cages prevent animals from turning their heads or taking more than one step forward or backward for nearly their entire lives. Despite promising more than a decade ago to end the use of pregnancy crates, Denny’s has failed to deliver on its commitment and currently has no public plans to end the practice.
Our team has also been involved in legislative initiatives in the United States to address overcrowding of domestic animals. In California, Animal Equality is part of a coalition helped pass Measure (“Prop”) 12, a groundbreaking ballot measure that created minimum space requirements for pigs, hens and calves raised for meat. The meat industry continued to oppose the new law before the Supreme Court, who ultimately decided to uphold Proposition 12. Animal Equality and other animal rights organizations played a key role in this decision. as intervention partners in the case.
Join the movement to end cage detention
Through these and many others, Animal Equality remains at the forefront of the global effort to end the use of cages in industrial livestock. Our dedication knows no bounds, as we continue to advocate for change and work towards a future where all animals are treated with compassion and respect.
Join Animal Equality in our mission to ban cages and create a world where animals are not confined. Your donation, no matter how small, can have a significant impact on the lives of countless animals.
With our Matching Gift Campaign coming to an end, now is the perfect time to contribute. A generous donor is willing to accommodate your donation, doubling the effect of your support. By donating today, you can help us reach our global fundraising goal of $500,000 and make a tangible difference to animals in need. Your support matters.
NOT TOO LATE!
Your chance to impact animals twice has been extended to July 7. Help us build a better future for all animal. Donate before the new deadline or until we hit our $500k global goal and your donation will be met!
