TELL DAVID CARTER
TO SAY NO TO CAGES
If you are shocked by the images of hens suffering in battery hen cages, now is the time to act! Unlike some other political parties, the National government has no policy against battery hen cages. If National is allowed to continue to ignore this important issue then it's inevitable these cruel cage systems will stay and millions of birds will continue to suffer.
Please tell David Carter, the Minister of Agriculture, that you want to see an end to cruel cage systems. In doing so, you will also be reminding him that animal welfare is an important issue. Send your ecard now!
Dear David Carter,
I am appalled by recent revelations that battery hens still suffer in cages that were banned in 2008. I want you, as the Minister responsible for animal welfare, to take action to ensure that these cruel cages will no longer be used. I also want you to undertake an audit on all battery hen farms to ensure they comply with the code of welfare.
Furthermore, I seek your help to end all hen cruelty on factory farms in New Zealand. It is my understanding that battery hen cages may be allowed to continue for up to twenty years. This is totally unacceptable to me.
At present 88 per cent of layer hens are cruelly confined in battery cages. These cages have severe space restrictions, are overcrowded and cause behavioural frustration and associated health problems for the hens. Battery cages, along with the newly proposed colony cage systems, do not allow hens to express their normal behaviour as is required under the Animal Welfare Act (AWA).
Opinion polls show eight out of ten New Zealanders want battery hen cages banned. Please use your influence to ensure that the principles of the AWA are upheld.
This is an important issue for me and I would like to know what action you intend to take on this matter. Please support a phase out of all cages without any further delay.