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In good news for millions of Aussie layer hens, this year we’ve finally seen the finalisation of Australia's Animal Welfare Standards and Guidelines for Poultry which includes a phase out date for barren battery cages. But the phase out now needs to be endorsed and implemented by state and territory governments.

The national Animal Welfare Standards and Guidelines for Poultry include a phase out of barren battery cages no later than 2036.

But this means nothing unless states and territories commit to implementing the Standards – and implement them as soon as possible.

In particular, 2036 is a long way away – there’s no reason any state or territory needs to wait until then (the ACT, for example, put an end date on battery cages in 2014).

Every year that these Standards aren’t in effect means millions more intelligent, inquisitive and social hens will continue to suffer in barren battery cages.

So we need your help. You can help by taking action to let decision-makers know that you want to see a phase out of barren battery cages implemented as soon as possible.

These hens deserve nothing less.

What is a battery cage?

Battery cages are small, barren wire cages. There are many thousands of cages stacked in sheds that may contain up to 100,000 birds.

The space given to each bird is less than the size of a piece of A4 paper.

For a hen to have a good life, she needs the freedom to move around, to stretch, flap her wings, perch and lay her eggs in a nest.

She can’t do any of these things in a barren battery cage.

Visit the Knowledgebase to find out more.

How can I help?

We need state and territory governments, and all members of Parliament, to know that the community wants to see a phase out of barren battery cages implemented without delay.

Simply enter your postcode and we’ll show you the best way you can take action, and help say bye bye to barren battery cages as soon as possible.