Egg shortage possible for NI
The Ulster Farmer's Union (UFU) has warned that Northern Ireland may face an egg shortage as a result of the ban on battery cages. UFU Poultry Chairman John McLenaghan has argued that the expense of transitioning from battery cages to 'enriched' cages that place a greater emphasis on the animals' welfare has forced up to 15% of NI's producers out of business, leading to a drop in production. It is possible that prices will rise as a result.
Mr McLenaghan added that he felt supermarkets should be ‘prepared to pay a fair price if they want to maintain their supply base of quality eggs produced to the highest welfare standards in the world'.
A ban on battery cages came into force on January 1st 2012 as a result of European Union Council Directive 1999/74/EC. The larger 'enriched' cages mandated by the Directive give the chickens a greater cage space of 750 cm² per hen (of which 600 cm² should be 45 cm high), a littered area for scratching and pecking, a nest, a claw shortening device, and 15 cm of perch and 12 cm of food trough per hen, thus improving their living conditions, quality of life and general welfare in a meaningful sense.
Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.
