The Citizens’ Committee of the successful End the Cage Age European Citizens’ Initiative (ECI) has taken a bold step forward in the fight against animal cruelty. On March 18th, the seven-member group announced the launch of legal action against the European Commission for its failure to uphold its commitment to banning caged farming.
The decision to launch legal action came after the Commission reneged on its promise to introduce legislation banning cages, despite a commitment made in 2021. Following a successful ECI, signed by 1.4 million people and supported by a coalition of 170 NGOs, the Commission pledged to enact legislation for an EU-wide ban on caged farming by the end of 2023. However, with no action taken, the Citizens’ Committee decided to hold the Commission accountable through legal means, filing papers at the Court of Justice in Luxembourg. Olga Kikou, a member of the Citizens’ Committee, expressed the disappointment felt by millions of EU citizens and the plight of the 300 million animals still suffering in cages every day.
The End the Cage Age legal action, funded by Compassion in World Farming, marks the first instance of holding the Commission accountable for its inaction on an ECI. If successful, the Commission would be compelled by the Court to publish its proposals within a reasonable timeframe and grant access to its file on the End the Cage Age ECI. According to Compassion in World Farming, more than 300 million animals, including pigs, hens, rabbits, ducks, quail, and geese, endure unimaginable suffering in cages across the EU.
Public opinion strongly opposes caged farming, with a staggering 89% of EU citizens believing animals should not be farmed in individual cages, as revealed in the Commission’s own Eurobarometer survey. Additionally, the European Food Safety Authority has supported the phasing out of cages on welfare grounds for various species. The proposed legislation also includes provisions for financial support to aid farmers in transitioning to cage-free systems, a move endorsed by the animal welfare movement.
In mid-September 2023, the EU was contemplating abandoning its proposals for more stringent animal welfare regulations, such as the prohibition of caged farming. President Ursula von der Leyen neglected to address intentions regarding the publication of these new laws during a speech addressing the priorities of the European Commission. Compassion in World Farming has accused the Commission of succumbing to pressure from the agriculture lobby, further exacerbating the situation.
An investigation uncovered the substantial influence exerted by the factory farming lobby in Brussels over the EU decision-making process. In light of these developments, the legal action initiated by the Citizens’ Committee underscores the urgent need for action to end the suffering of animals trapped in cages.
The ‘End the Cage Age’ European Citizens’ Initiative has garnered substantial backing from the European Parliament, with eight out of ten Members of the European Parliament voting in favor of discontinuing caged farming. The Initiative has received endorsements from over 170 organizations spanning Europe, including the European Committee of the Regions, scientific communities, representatives from the business sector, environmental advocacy groups, health and farming campaigners, and veterinary associations.
The fight against caged farming is a crucial one, and holding the European Commission accountable for its promises is a significant step towards ensuring the welfare of millions of animals. The voices of EU citizens and advocacy groups must continue to push for legislative action to end the suffering of animals kept in cages. It is essential to stand up against powerful lobbying interests and prioritize the well-being of animals in our food production systems. Only through continued advocacy, legal action, and public support can we hope to see an end to caged farming practices and create a more compassionate and ethical future for all animals.