The calls follow the release of disturbing footage of dead and dying hens allegedly taken by animal activists inside Pitt Poultry sheds at Oyster Cove in southern Tasmania last week.

The RSPCA and the Greens are calling for intensive hen farming to be banned and the Primary Industries Minister, David Llewellyn, says he is working to end the practice nationally.

But the Egg Corporation's Managing Director, James Kellaway, has defended the production method.

"I don't see why we should try and ban a production system that delivers animal welfare benefits," Mr Kellaway said.

Source: ABCTasmania