Press release 26.10.01

Animal Watch Aotearoa For immediate release

Mainland Poultry expansion an investment in cruelty

Dunedin based animal rights group Animal Watch Aotearoa are disgusted at the Environment Court's decision to allow Mainland Poultry to expand to over one million battery hens.

"Battery farming is cruel and barbaric," said AWA spokesperson Clare Havell. "The extension marks an investment in cruelty by Mainland Poultry.

"The Environment Court process has shown that company profits come before the welfare of animals.

"Mainland Poultry is New Zealand's largest battery hen farm. 270,000 hens are confined in tiny wire cages with no freedom to move or display natural behaviour. Battery hen farming has been condemned as cruel and unacceptable by the SPCA. All factory farming must be abolished.

"There is huge public opposition to factory farm cruelty and when the government reviews the animal welfare code for battery hen farming next year, they will be under immense pressure to ban the battery cage. Mainland's future is far from certain.

Mainland Poultry produce eggs under the brand name "Country Life" which are sold throughout New Zealand.

For more information contact: Clare Havell 021 297 0639

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