SAFE director Hans Kriek, flanked by Hetty, the ex-battery hen mascot, will attempt to attend the conference to represent the three million layer hens abused in cruel battery hen cages.

Mr Kriek says in light of the horrific conditions exposed on TV One’s Sunday programme last weekend, the welfare needs of the nation’s three million caged hens must be addressed at the conference.

Mr Kriek said: "Eight out of ten New Zealanders want battery cages banned and the time has come for the industry to listen and move away from cruel production systems.

"If nearly 85 per cent of the public want battery hen cages phased out within five years, why does the industry continue to demand 20 years and push for colony cages a replacement system that is just as cruel?

"The egg industry is responsible for depriving and abusing millions of caged hens annually and this must not continue. The proposed colony cage system is inherently cruel and egg producers have to accept that by using these cages they still do not address the serious animal welfare problems confronting their industry. Hens must not be forced to endure a life of misery in a cage just because it’s convenient and economical for egg producers. For the egg industry to claim that colony cages are beneficial to the birds is dishonest and absurd.

"Given the opportunity, Hetty and I will be asking conference-goers why they continue to ignore consumer demand for cage-free systems and we will be urging a debate on the use of illegal cages as well as colony cages."

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