13 December 2024
RSPCA WA has welcomed news that Western Australia has become the first state to adopt the nationally agreed welfare standards for poultry that will ultimately outlaw battery cages.
The Cook Government's introduction of new poultry regulations means the installation of battery cages is banned immediately, with any existing cages to be phased out from 2032.
WA's new Animal Welfare (Poultry) Regulations 2024 adopt the first stage of the Australian Animal Welfare Standards and Guidelines for Poultry, endorsed in 2023 at the Agriculture Ministers meeting in Perth.
RSPCA WA CEO Ben Cave said the animal welfare organisation had worked long and hard to advocate for layer hens in WA.
"The State Government has been receptive to our calls for better welfare for layer hens," Mr Cave said.
"Our submission to the WA Government's consultation process on this issue stated that implementing the guidelines into state regulations was the only way to ensure that these important reforms actually occur and it's great that our viewpoint has been taken on board.
"Although 2032 is a long way off, I am proud that WA is the first state to adopt the nationally agreed standards by implementing these important changes."
The regulations also include provision to ensure improved living conditions for poultry to allow birds to perch, hatch and scratch. These will commence on 1 July 2025, allowing birds to express normal behaviours.
"The RSPCA has been advocating to get layer hens out of barren battery cages for over 40 years," Mr Cave said.
"More than 400,000 layer hens are confined to battery cages for their entire lives in WA (5.3m Australia-wide).
"That's why today's announcement is such an important step forward."
