Wed, 22 Dec 2004
Foxes In The Henhouse
Campaign Against Factory Farming (CAFF) spokesperson Debra Ashton, says her group is horrified the National Animal
Welfare Advisory Committee (NAWAC), claiming to have interests in animal welfare, has made recommendations to the
Minister of Agriculture, Mr. Sutton, allowing cruel battery hen and pig farming to continue.
"We suspect foxes in the henhouse. It is obvious NAWAC has not considered the welfare of animals at all. If they won't
oppose severe confinement on the basis of cruelty, despite public opposition and scientific evidence, then we believe
they must have another agenda."
NAWAC have asked for more research into battery hen farming and a slight increase in the size of cages. The code does
not allow further review until 2009. Earlier this month, a leaked advisory report and a draft copy of the code of
welfare showed that a recommendation against battery hen cages had been removed.
The Layer Hen Welfare Code was drafted in 2001 after the introduction of the Animal Welfare Act in 1999. The code was
written by egg producers, submitted to NAWAC and then released for public submissions. NAWAC received over 120,000
public submissions against battery hen cages. Earlier NAWAC received a similar number opposing severe confinement of
sows in stalls.
A 2002 Colmar Brunton survey found that 79 percent of New Zealanders were opposed to battery hen farming. It also found
they wanted a ban as soon as possible and were prepared to pay more for eggs that came from humane methods of farming.
"The European Commission is phasing out battery hen cages following recommendations from their Scientific Veterinary
Committee. This committee provided scientific evidence that supports the common sense view that hens suffer far more in
battery cages than well managed alternative systems", says Ashton.
"Mr Sutton should resign from his Ministerial position as he has betrayed the New Zealand public, good scientific
practice and most of all, the animals".
ENDS