Victoria to Implement New Poultry Welfare Standards Phasing Out Conventional Cages by 2036

The Victorian government has committed to legislating new standards for poultry welfare under existing animal welfare laws. These regulations will apply to the care and management of laying hens, focusing on cage designs. The changes aim to align with national standards agreed upon in 2023.

Starting from the middle of this year, all new chicken cages installed in Victoria must include nest areas, perches or platforms, and a scratch area. This setup allows hens to perform natural behaviors such as perching, dust bathing, and laying eggs in nests. Conventional cages, which lack these furnishings, will be phased out nationwide by 2036.

Caged eggs account for about 32 percent of national egg production. They are commonly used in hospitality, pre-prepared meals, cakes, and pastries. In supermarkets, caged eggs represent between 2 and 6 percent of egg sales.

egg farmers reported a lack of consultation on the new standards.

Brian Ahmed, president of the Victorian Farmers Federation egg group, stated that the industry was informed through an update on the Agriculture Victoria website without prior announcement. He noted that farmers had requested a meeting in June and were promised further consultation, but none occurred.

Farmers expressed concerns that recently built sheds and cages, installed to address a bird flu-related egg shortage over the past 12 months, may not comply with the new requirements.

These investments were made under current regulations to ensure egg supply for consumers. The new rules will initially apply only to newly built cages, with all existing cages required to meet standards between 2032 and 2036. "All this new investment needs to be protected, farmers can't spend all that money and be told to shut down," Mr Ahmed said.

The poultry standards will be adopted under the current Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986.

The Victorian government has delayed modernization of broader animal welfare laws, including the draft Animal Care and Protection Bill, until after the state election in November. A government spokesperson stated that the poultry standards will not be affected by this delay.

The spokesperson added that the government aims to balance animal protection with responsible operation of animal industries.

Work on the draft bill has included reviewing public consultation feedback and addressing technical issues. Lauren Hemsworth, associate professor in animal welfare at the University of Melbourne's Veterinary School, explained that the new standards enable hens to perform behaviors linked to positive experiences.

Dr Hemsworth noted that restrictions on these behaviors in current commercial cages can lead to frustration and negative experiences.

She added that the caged system remains important for maintaining a consistent egg supply in Australia, despite its limitations.