Open letter urging the European Commission to deliver on promise to End the Cage Age
This letter urges the European Commission to deliver on its commitment to address outdated EU animal welfare rules and bring forward long-promised legislation to end the use of cages and other close-confinement systems in farming – as promised following the hugely successful End the Cage Age European Citizens’ Initiative.
The letter, signed by 280 organisations spanning the wide spectrum of not-for-profit civil society, and individuals including farmers, veterinary representatives, scientists, lawyers, and industry representatives, argue that continued delays are unacceptable for animals, farmers and businesses, and call for legislative proposals to be published before the end of 2026.
Key requests include:
- Ending the use of cages for poultry and rabbits, sow stalls and farrowing crates for pigs, and individual pens for calves.
- Establishing a clear EU-wide framework to phase out cages across animal farming.
- Providing support for farmers transitioning to cage-free systems.
- Ensuring imported products meet equivalent animal welfare standards.
The letter highlights strong public, scientific and business support for a cage-free future, arguing that current confinement systems cause unnecessary suffering and prevent animals from expressing natural behaviours. It calls on the Commission to act without further delay and deliver the reforms needed to end the Cage Age across Europe.
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