Western Australia has become the first state to call for a nationwide ban of battery cages.
In its submission to a federal review of poultry welfare standards, the WA Labor government said it wanted battery cages to be replaced with much larger “furnished” cages that have nest boxes, perches and scratching pads, The Australian reports.
Agriculture Minister Alannah MacTiernan has called on other states to support the push.
However, the egg industry claims the move would cost $935 million if implemented nationally.
Draft national standards released last year recommended the continued use of battery cages, sparking anger among animal welfare groups, but the WA government appears to be the only state lobbying for change.
