By Brian Schultz
The Winnipeg Humane Society is applauding a new policy put in place by Manitoba Egg Farmers that sees laying hens live more humane, enriched lives.
The policy is based around the “Five Freedoms,” an animal welfare ideology that supports: freedom from thirst, hunger and malnutrition; freedom from discomfort; freedom from pain, injury and disease; freedom to express normal behaviour; and freedom from fear and distress. As part of the policy, all new or renovated laying hen facilities must have enriched living areas by 2018.
“We are thrilled to see MEF taking steps to implement proper animal welfare,” said Bill McDonald, Executive Director of The WHS. “The public’s attitude towards farm animals is changing. We know that people care about how farm animals are treated. This includes how laying hens are housed.”
The Winnipeg Humane Society has been advocating in support of this policy for over a decade.
