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Humane? An Enriched Cage is Still a Cage

The American Humane Association’s (AHA) farm animal welfare certification program – American Humane Certified – announced in June that it will permit the use of so-called enriched battery cages for laying hens as an option for humane housing. Humane? My first reaction on hearing this was, “Hey guys, you do realize this is still a cage, don’t you?” But let’s be evenhanded about this and look at the reasoning put forward by the American Humane Association. The American Humane Association’s rationale for this decision is that these cages are “enriched” to allow hens to exhibit natural behaviors. In making this decision AHA states that it has carried out an extensive scientific review of the behavior and welfare of laying hens housed in such systems – mainly looking at research from Europe where conventional cages are soon to be totally banned. Okay, so I might consider accepting that an “enriched” battery cage possibly offers better welfare opportunities than a standard battery cage. But AHA fails to recognize some key behavioral needs that hens are driven to perform. I am talking about providing the birds with space to run, stretch, flap their wings, and fly; litter and somewhere to dust bathe; and vegetated areas to peck at and forage in. AHA also significantly underestimates the ability of enriched cages to provide adequate nesting and perching. So what does the research really tell us about “enriched” battery cages? And are they really a humane option? I was pretty confident that a lot of research existed to say some of these behaviors are not wants but programmed driven behavioral needs.
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A Simple Matter of Right and Wrong Goes Very, Very Wrong at a Vermont Slaughterhouse

Westland/Hallmark, of the famous “downer cow” footage, has nothing on this one. I got an email a few days ago with a link to footage taken at a Vermont slaughter plant. I often receive videos depicting horrific animal treatment, but this one stood out. The footage I was sent showed veal calves—only days old—unable to walk or stand on their own, repeatedly kicked, slapped and shocked. Once again, we have sickening proof that there are people who just don’t get it. In a civilized society we have to do things right. The USDA, despite the industry’s best efforts, does have rules that cover some parts of a slaughter plant operation. Slaughter plants that operate like this can’t hide anymore. People are no longer satisfied with being spoon-fed lies about production practices that are “in our best interests”; the consumer is educated, interested and is paying attention.
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Extreme June Heat in Iowa Led to Feedlot Deaths

According to Wallaces Farmer and the Iowa Cattlemen's Association (ICA), area feedlot operators were on 24-hour duty attempting to keep cattle cool during a rapid temperature increase in the final week of June. When routine practices such as providing shelter…

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Cage Free: More Complicated Than You Think

Part of the objective of our blog is to encourage educated discussion about farm animal welfare. Here are three recent articles that discuss California's Proposition 2, and some of the issues surrounding it. One article by David Sneed summarizes the…

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What about eggs from pasture-based farms?

On November 4, 2008, Californians will vote on the "Prevention of Farm Animal Cruelty Act." The purpose of this act, as cited by the Attorney General, is to "prohibit the cruel confinement of farm animals in a manner that does…

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Citizens in Illinois Cry Out for Help

Matthew B. Alschuler wrote to us from Warren, Illinois asking for ideas on how he and his community can stop the development of a 13,000 head dairy cattle factory. Please see the website http://www.stopthemegadairy.org/index.html for information and to learn how…

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