The way we treat animals is important to me. In this letter you'll find my comments about the welfare code for poultry.

Scientists have spoken: hens suffer in cages. Studies reveal that in cages, egg-laying hens suffer chronic mental distress, are often riddled with osteoporosis, don't have enough space to flap their wings, can't even stand without discomfort or pain, and can be pecked violently by other stressed birds. We should automatically rely on the fact that the Code Review would have looked at the latest science. Science is supposed to be the foundation of welfare law reform. It is concerning that cages are still being considered given scientists are in agreement that chickens shouldn't be locked in cages. Instinctively, chickens will move and exercise, bathe in the sun, and find a peaceful place to lay their eggs. In cages, they can't practise natural patterns of behaviour. Why do we permit this to keep happening? Due to the best scientific evidence published, battery cage bans have been achieved in several countries. Caring consumers everywhere are sincerely hopeful that this practice will end. I hope those people who are able to amend current industry standards of practice will give this issue the deliberation it needs.