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Studies hatched on cramped chicken cages
Source: Agencies |
November 20, 2009, Friday
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ARE cramped chickens crazy chickens?
Researchers in the United States are trying to answer that question through several studies that intend to take emotions out of an angry debate between animal welfare groups and producers.
At issue are small cages, typically 61 centimeters wide by 65 centimeters deep, that can be shared by up to nine hens. About 96 percent of eggs sold in the US come from hens who live in the so-called battery cages from the day they're born until their egg-laying days end 18 to 24 months later.
Public opinion appears to oppose the cages. Voters in California approved a proposition last year that bans cramped cages for hens.
And a new Michigan law requires confined animals to have enough room to turn around and fully extend their limbs.
Peter Skewes, a Clemson University researcher, is leading one of the studies. He said there are plenty of "emotional" opinions, but few based on facts. "Hopefully we will contribute something so decisions can be made based on science and knowledge," said Skewes.
Some question the need to study an issue they argue was resolved long ago.
Bruce Friedrich, a spokesman for People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, said the need to ban the cages is obvious.
"Think about the ... effects of not moving for up to 24 months," Friedrich said. "Their bones and muscles waste away and they go insane."
Paul Shapiro, of the Humane Society, agreed.
"The egg industry is trying to muddy the waters by misleading people into believing that it's possible to confine birds in barren, tiny cages and have high welfare," he said.
Producers counter that caged hens are healthier and satisfied with the only lives they've ever known.
"Is this animal cruelty? This absolutely is not," said Bob Krouse, president of the United Egg Producers industry group.
Or as K.Y. Hendrix, owner of Rose Acres Farms in Seymour, Indiana, puts it, "We can produce a better egg, produce a healthier chicken if we keep them inside."
Researchers in the United States are trying to answer that question through several studies that intend to take emotions out of an angry debate between animal welfare groups and producers.
At issue are small cages, typically 61 centimeters wide by 65 centimeters deep, that can be shared by up to nine hens. About 96 percent of eggs sold in the US come from hens who live in the so-called battery cages from the day they're born until their egg-laying days end 18 to 24 months later.
Public opinion appears to oppose the cages. Voters in California approved a proposition last year that bans cramped cages for hens.
And a new Michigan law requires confined animals to have enough room to turn around and fully extend their limbs.
Peter Skewes, a Clemson University researcher, is leading one of the studies. He said there are plenty of "emotional" opinions, but few based on facts. "Hopefully we will contribute something so decisions can be made based on science and knowledge," said Skewes.
Some question the need to study an issue they argue was resolved long ago.
Bruce Friedrich, a spokesman for People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, said the need to ban the cages is obvious.
"Think about the ... effects of not moving for up to 24 months," Friedrich said. "Their bones and muscles waste away and they go insane."
Paul Shapiro, of the Humane Society, agreed.
"The egg industry is trying to muddy the waters by misleading people into believing that it's possible to confine birds in barren, tiny cages and have high welfare," he said.
Producers counter that caged hens are healthier and satisfied with the only lives they've ever known.
"Is this animal cruelty? This absolutely is not," said Bob Krouse, president of the United Egg Producers industry group.
Or as K.Y. Hendrix, owner of Rose Acres Farms in Seymour, Indiana, puts it, "We can produce a better egg, produce a healthier chicken if we keep them inside."
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