Cages are inhumane

I hope that the egg producer quoted by Fordyce Maxwell (Farming, 30 August) is correct, and that implementation of the European ban on conventional battery cages is indeed "a done deal". He refers to a 1999 directive laying down minimum standards for laying hens; it is still not in force, because it gave the industry 13 years to replace their systems with more humane alternatives.

All cages are inhumane. Lack of space and a high production rate can lead to osteoporosis and bone breakage. These conditions apply to more than 80 per cent of the 400 million laying hens in Europe.

It is disappointing that the industry is asking to delay the replacement of conventional cages by a further five years. The consequence would be millions more hens confined in these systems, despite there being more welfare-friendly alternatives in use, in the shape of well-managed free range and barn systems.

Animal welfare organisations are calling on the commission to continue with the cage ban as intended.

LIBBY ANDERSON, Policy director, Advocates for Animals, Queensferry Street, Edinburgh