Latvian Parliament Rejects Ban on Battery Cages for Laying Hens
The Saeima rejected in the first reading amendments to the Animal Protection Law that would have banned battery cages for laying hens with a transition period until 2032.
On Thursday, June 11, the Saeima (Latvian parliament) rejected in the first reading a proposal to amend the Animal Protection Law, which would have prohibited the use of battery cages for laying hens. The proposed amendments included a transition period until 2032 to phase out this practice. However, members of parliament did not support the bill, and it was dismissed at the first reading stage.
The decision was made after discussions on animal welfare and the industry's ability to adapt to new requirements. Several lawmakers opposed the changes, citing potential impacts on the agricultural sector and production costs. Currently, Latvian regulations permit keeping laying hens in battery cages, and no further legislative changes on this issue are planned at this time.
Animal welfare organizations had previously called for a ban on battery cages, arguing it would improve hen well-being. Nevertheless, the parliament's vote indicates that there is currently insufficient political support for such a move.
