Sweden Becomes First Country To Ban The Use Of Cages On Poultry Farms

Sweden has a reputation for being ahead of the curve on many things, especially when it comes to quality of life. There’s a reason it’s ranked the third safest country in the world by US News. The country’s goal of creating a better existence for its citizens extends to its livestock as well.

Sweden has just become the first country to officially transition to a cage-free system for hens. Spearheaded by Project 1882, an animal welfare group, the initiative has been in the works for over 50 years, though it dates back to 1988 when the Swedish Parliament first promised to ban cages. The long-awaited transition was delayed due to pushback from the egg industry, which failed to comply with the ban. It finally passed thanks to continual advocacy, public campaigns, and corporate dialogue.

“Sweden being free from cages is hugely significant for the hens and a victory for everyone who has stood by their side,” said Benny Andersson, CEO of Project 1882.

Project 1882 has worked with over 85 major retailers and food service operators to remove cage eggs since 2008, gradually convincing key industry players to reduce the number of hens in cages. These efforts have resulted in 17 million hens being freed from cages. Project 1882 now has its sights set on the larger European Union. It is rallying support for the European Citizens’ Initiative, “End the Cage Age,” which would ban cages across the EU.

That said, much work remains. The organization warns that unless the ban on cages is written into law, there is a possibility the practice could be reinstated.