Help End Abuse of Laying Hens

September 9, 2000

Source-API(apiforanimals.org)

Millions of egg-laying hens in the U.S. suffer from cruel practices designed

to produce the greatest number of eggs for the least amount of money.

Battery cages, debeaking, and forced molting are the inhumane practices most

often inflicted on these animals by the egg industry.

* Battery cages: 97% of laying hens in the U.S. are kept in cages that

measure 16 " x 18 " and house up to 6 hens. The animals are unable to turn

around, spread their wings, or follow their natural instincts such as

dust-bathing. This kind of environment breeds diseases such as Salmonella

which can be spread to humans through eggs. Salmonella in eggs was

associated with 28,645 illnesses and 79 deaths between 1985 and 1998.

* Debeaking is a painful procedure where the beak of a hen is seared off to

prevent the pecking of other chickens crammed into the same cage. This often

causes chronic pain and can prevent proper eating and drinking.

* Forced molting is a process in which the hens are denied food and

sometimes water for up to 14 days. This causes a " forced molt " where the

hens' feathers fall off. When given sustenance again, the hens lay larger

eggs.

As a result of receiving thousands of letters criticizing its treatment of

laying hens, the United Egg Producers (UEP) is appointing an animal welfare

advisory committee to change its current guidelines.

Now is the time to put added pressure on the egg industry. Write to Mr.

Albert Pope, UEP president, and share your concerns for the inhumane

practices and conditions endured by laying hens in the U.S.

Mr. Albert E. Pope, President

United Egg Producers

1303 Hightower Trail, #200

Atlanta, GA 30350

770-587-5871

Fax 770-587-0041

alpope

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