In response to the European Citizens’ Initiative (ECI) ‘End the Cage Age’, MEPs on Thursday 10 June called on the European Commission to bring forward legislative proposals to ban cage farming in the EU, possibly as early as 2027 (see EUROPE 12724/14).
The Commission is expected to vote on the ECI on 30 June, and it has the support of Health Commissioner Stella Kyriakides.
A resolution calling for an end to cage farming was adopted by the European Parliament with 558 votes in favour, 37 against and 85 abstentions.
Alternatives to cage farming exist and are being implemented in a number of Member States. These alternative systems should be further improved and encouraged at Member State level, but, according to MEPs, legislation at EU level is needed to ensure a level playing field for farmers across the Union.
The Parliament calls on the European Commission to take a species-by-species approach to this ban, taking into account the characteristics of each animal.
In addition, the European Commission is asked to reassess trade agreements with third countries “to ensure that the same animal welfare and product quality standards are met”.
MEPs are calling on the European Commission to table a proposal to ban the cruel and unnecessary force-feeding of ducks and geese for foie gras production. (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)