WHAT THE NEW LAYING HENS DIRECTIVE SAYS:

On 15th June 1999,

the EU's Agriculture Council of Ministers' meeting in Luxembourg

agreed a new Directive

'laying down minimum standards for the protection of laying hens'.

The fuller details of this new European law are:

 

* The use of battery cages is prohibited from 1st January 2012.

* During the phase-out period for battery cages, from 2003 to 2012, hens must be given more space and the cage fitted with a claw shortening device . Each hen must have at least 500 square centimetres of floor space instead of the current minimum of 450 square centimetres

* After 1 January 2012 no new battery cages may be built or brought into service.

* From 1 January 2012, the only kind of cage allowed will be the'enriched' cage. This must provide a minimum height Of 45 cm, and at least 750 square cm floor space per hen. It must also be equipped with a nest, litter so that pecking and scratching are possible, at least 15 cm of perch space per hen and a claw shortening device. These minimum standards come into force from 2002. (These Provisions are likely to economically favour loose housed alternatives such as perchery, deep litter or free range).

 * Standards are also laid down for the housing of hens in alternative systems in which the hens are free to roam around the barn (such as perchery or deep litter). These must provide each bird with at least l5 cm of perch length and at least 250 square cm of littered area. At least 1 nest must be provided for every 7 birds. The stocking density in the house must not exceed 9 hens per square metre, although 12 hens per square metre may be permitted until 1st January 2011. (Current legislation allows hens to be stocked at 25 birds per metre square of floor space in perchery systems.)

These requirements come into force from 2007 except for the new systems, which must comply from 2002.

* Housing for free range hens must comply with the requirements for perchery or deep litter (above). In addition, popholes must be provided along the entire length of the building, as well as an outdoor area.

Ref: PL, Agscene, No. 135, Autumn 1999, pg10

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