Press release
A powerful coalition of over 30 African NGOs have condemned plans that would entrench battery cages for egg-laying hens across the continent.
Compassion in World Farming Southern Africa (CIWF) and Animal Law Reform South Africa (ALRSA) have joined dozens of civil society organisations in criticising the proposed new farming standard as “cruel” and problematic.
The African Organisation for Standardisation (ARSO)’s proposal, released in late 2025, endorses the use of tiny metal enclosures for egg-laying hens, referring to them as “essential”. In direct contradiction to decades of scientific animal welfare research, it claims that battery cages “guarantee the welfare of birds”.
The average space allowance per bird in a battery cage is less than the size of an A4 sheet of paper. Crammed together, sentient hens are unable to express natural behaviours such as wing flapping, perching or nesting. These systems lead to osteoporosis, bone fractures, foot lesions, and muscle atrophy, chronic stress and various other conditions. They rarely experience natural light or fresh air.
Promotion of these cage systems could also pose commercial risks to African farmers – as global consumer appetite shifts to higher-welfare, cage-free alternatives. Barren battery cages were banned in the EU in 2012, on the grounds of cruelty and other jurisdictions are following suit. Major corporations are increasingly committing to removing battery cages from their supply chains.
The 35-strong coalition of African NGOs has responded with a joint letter to ARSO and the national standards bodies of 44 member countries, including South Africa. Beyond the animal welfare and economic risks, the letter outlines:
- The lack of transparency and adequate participation in the standards-setting process
- Implications for consumers and long-term food system sustainability
- Global shifts through corporate commitments to cage-free sourcing
- The risk that Africa becomes a “dumping ground” for second-hand battery cage equipment from countries that have banned this inhumane system
Leading up to ARSO’s planned standards meeting on 4 February 2026, the coalition has urged the organisation and its respective national standards bodies to:
- Reject battery cages as an African standard
- Remove inaccurate claims that cages “guarantee the welfare of birds” or are “essential for poultry production”
- Promote cage-free and higher-welfare farming systems
- Require clear labelling of eggs from caged hens
- Prevent Africa from becoming a destination for outdated and inhumane farming equiment
- Develop standards that enhance Africa’s competititiveness through higher welfare systems
- Ensure proper public consultation beore any further steps are taken.
CIWF and ALRSA have highlighted significant procedural issues with the way ARSO and the different standards bodies have handled the draft. Circulated only to a technical committee, the standards have not been released for broader public comment in most ARSO countries.
Amy P Wilson, Executive Director at ALRSA said:
“Battery cages are a relic of Western and colonial industrial agriculture, designed for extraction and profit rather than care or community. Africa does not need to follow this path. We should choose systems that respect our values, animals, communities, and the planet. Our coalition’s message is clear: keep cruel battery cages out of Africa.”
Alexis Olds, Head of Southern Africa for CIWF said:
“In South Africa, where public participation and animal welfare are protected by law, rejecting battery cages is a vital step towards safeguarding animals and ensuring that African markets lead rather than lag in sustainable farming practices. The public has the right to know and voice their concerns around standards that affect them. Our opposition to the proposed ARSO standards represents a broader shift across Africa – toward a more humane and future-proof food system.”
Photo: Sritam Das on Pexels
