Hens ought to be kept in bigger cages with freedom of movement, says HC

Hens should be able to "move around comfortably" in cages, the Delhi High Court has said, suggesting that they be kept in cages which are bigger than the small wired ones being used currently.

The observation came from a bench of Chief Justice Rajendra Menon and Justice V K Rao which directed the Secretary of Environment Ministry to set up, and chair, a committee to lay down guidelines on the breeding and transportation of poultry birds.

The court said the committee should consider the Law Commission's recommendations on the issue, the suggestions of other states and the views of the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) as also other stakeholders including poultry farmers, and submit a report before the next date of hearing on February 5, 2019.

"Till a decision is taken, no further battery (small wired) cages would be permitted to be used," the court said and added, "use big cages where they can moved around comfortably. They should be able to move around freely."