[Greens-Media] Greens call on all state govts to follow ACT farm animal protection law

Tue Feb 25 17:55:51 EST 2014

MEDIA RELEASE
25 February 2014
 Greens call on all state govts to follow ACT farm animal protection law
The ACT historic law that bans battery cages for egg production and the use of sow stalls and gestation crates for pigs should be adopted by all state governments, Greens animal welfare spokesperson Senator Lee Rhiannon said today.
 Senator Rhiannon said "The passing of the ACT Greens Animal Welfare (Factory Farming) Bill is momentous. This is a great day for farm animals and provides a model for other jurisdictions.
"ACT Greens MLA Shane Rattenbury, the Minister for Territory and Municipal Services, is to be congratulated for the successful introduction of this legislation.
"Community activists have worked on this campaign to outlaw inhumane and cruel farming practices for over 18 years. Thanks to their hard work all parties in the ACT parliament backed this legislation.
"This new ACT law shows that it is time Australia caught up with other countries laws that respect farm animal rights.
"Battery cages have been banned in a number of countries including  Switzerland, Austria and Sweden. They are being phased out in some US states, including California and Michigan.
 "Sow stalls are already banned in Britain and Sweden, and will be banned in New Zealand from 2015.
 "The ACT Bill also carries penalties for the removal or trimming of hens' beaks, which is banned under this law.
"Increasing numbers of Australians are refusing to buy battery caged eggs. The momentum for improved animal welfare will only grow with this ACT win," said Senator Rhiannon.
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Brami Jegan
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