Activists from the animal rights group Igualdad Animal gathered in front of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food in Spain under the slogan «Stop Jaulas» («Stop Cages») to demand that the country maintains a firm position in Europe and supports the end of cages for all species used by the industry. Currently, the European Commission is working on drafting new legislation on animal welfare that will be presented at the end of 2023. In 2021, the European Parliament voted in favor of banning cages by adopting a resolution on the European Citizens’ Initiative «End the Cage Age» and urged the European Commission to declare them illegal throughout the European Union by 2027. The «End the Cage Age» Initiative, promoted for three years by 170 European organizations, including Igualdad Animal, was signed by more than 1.4 million people.
The Igualdad Animal Foundation now demands that Spain maintain its position, expressed in 2021, to support the transition to cage-free systems gradually. In the letter presented by representatives of the organization at the ministry, they request that the end of cages affect all species of animals used by the industry, that ambitious deadlines be established for their implementation, and that it also applies to animal products imported from countries outside the European Union.
» It is a crucial moment for animals in the European Union since the Commission is preparing new legislation on animal welfare. The Minister of Agriculture must take into account the scientific evidence that shows that the welfare of animals cannot be guaranteed while they live confined in cages and the voices of citizens who demand a better life for animals,» says Irene Rivero, communication coordinator of Igualdad Animal.
Spain, the European Union’s country with the most animals in cages
In Spain, 87% of the animals used by the industry live in cages, specifically 86,935,062 animals, according to the latest report by Compassion in World Farming. Chickens, rabbits, pigs, calves, quails, ducks, or geese that live unjustifiably confined, deprived of autonomy and the ability to satisfy their essential behavioral, physical, and psychological needs. Spain thus becomes the country with the most animals in cages in the European Union.
No Animal in Cages
After this protest in front of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, the Igualdad Animal Foundation launches the campaign «No Animal in Cages.» During the next few months, they will participate in events, protests, and collect signatures to urge the ministry to take a firm stance to end cages in animal husbandry.
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