Yesterday (23 March), we delivered a symbolic ‘mock-up’ collection of 700 hand drawn hens, created by you, our wonderful supporters from across the UK to the Minister of State, Angela Eagle at Defra’s office in London, calling on the Government to deliver a ban on cages for laying hens without delay.

Earlier this month the Government closed its consultation on phasing out caged systems for laying hens. These systems severely restrict hens in their ability to move around and carry out natural behaviours like stretching and flapping their wings or scratching.

700 drawings, 7 million hens

The hand in follows our ‘Draw the line at hens’ art exhibition in London, where 700 drawings of hens were displayed, each on A4, highlighting the approximate amount of space 7 million UK laying hens are confined to in cages. Hens are sentient beings with their own personalities – captured beautifully in each picture. Amongst the artworks were pieces by some of our high-profile supporters including Chris Packham, Deborah Meaden, Miriam Margolyes and Dame Joanna Lumley.

Government must crack on!

Anthony Field, Head of our UK office, said:

After decades of campaigning we are so close to seeing a ban on cruel cages for laying hens in the UK. The public firmly back the Government’s proposal to End the Cage Age.

Thousands of our supporters responded to the consultation, showing how important they think it is to see legislation in place. We urge the Government to crack on and make swift meaningful progress to bring in legislation and end the suffering - these hens can't wait any longer.

Help support our campaign to End the Cage Age and cruel factory farming around the world by making a donation today.

Draw the Line: A4 hen artwork delivered to Defra