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Initiative, legislation compete to set hen housing standards

18.05.11

A ballot ambition in Washington state would outlaw use of cages that limit behaviors of egg-laying hens and cages that stack hens one above another.

The hustle would also make it illegal in the state to sell eggs produced by hens kept in such cages.

However, a bill that passed both chambers of the articulate legislature in April would, if signed by the governor, phase in from 2012-2026 standards on quarters and husbandry for hens that produce eggs and egg products sold in the express.

The Humane Society of the United States and Farm Asylum, collaborating under the group Washingtonians for Humane Farms, are convocation signatures for the ballot campaign. The initiative would change pomp law to require that, by 2018, all eggs sold in the state discover from hens that are given room to "turn around unstintingly, lie down, stand up, or fully extend their wings." Violations would be misdemeanor offenses.

The Washington Nation VMA opposes the initiative but supports Senate Bill 5487, which would work in in housing standards for egg-laying hens from 2012-2026. The Washington Ill fame of Representatives passed the bill April 11, and the Senate passed the bill April 21.

Source: American Veterinary Medical Association