Criminal Offence for Confining Laying Hens in Cages

Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Amendment (Battery Cage Prohibition) Bill 2023

Private Member's Bill

1st House

2nd House

Law

Introduced by: Emma Hurst (AJP)

Effects of this bill

If this bill passes, it means that:

People cannot keep chickens used for commercial egg production in cages.
Individuals face up to one year in prison or a fine for cage confinement.
Corporations face fines of up to 2,000 penalty units for cage confinement.
The ban does not apply to people transporting laying hens.
People accused of cage confinement cannot use certain legal defences.
Guidelines for animal welfare have no effect if they conflict with the Act or regulations.

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