Cage-Free Laws in the Crosshairs

In recognition of the immense suffering experienced by egg-laying hens confined to battery cages, 10 states in the last 15 years have enacted laws prohibiting the use of these ultra-confining enclosures. Eight of those states have also passed laws prohibiting the sale of eggs produced elsewhere via battery cages.

These laws have benefited millions of birds. However, the hard-won victories of animal protection advocates in this area are facing renewed challenge in several states because of bird flu, which has led to the killing of over 166 million domestic birds—including 115 million egg-laying hens—in the last three years.  This mass depopulation of the nation’s flock has been a major contributor to the high egg prices that have been much discussed in the media (even as some outlets have reported that major egg producers continue to make record profits).

In response, legislation has been introduced or administrative steps taken in four states to limit or repeal cage-free egg laws. First, Arizona’s director of agriculture announced an order postponing the implementation of that state’s caged egg sales ban for two years. Shortly after, bills were introduced in Nevada, Colorado, and Michigan to repeal or delay the implementation of their cage-free laws. The Colorado bill died early in the legislative process. Nevada, however, enacted a law that allows the state quarantine officer to temporarily suspend cage-free regulations for up to 120 days in emergencies; such a suspension went into effect at the end of February. The Michigan bill would repeal the state’s cage-free egg requirements that went into effect in January. AWI continues to monitor the situation. Sign up for alerts via our online Action Center to keep up to date on our efforts to fight these repeals.

Program Terms: Farmed Animals

AWI Quarterly Terms: Government/Legal, Quick Read