16 July 2002

Media advisory

Greens launch animal welfare policy with release of hens

The Greens will launch their Animal Welfare policy tomorrow (Wednesday 17) at midday with the symbolic release of three ex-battery hens in parliament grounds.

The policy launch will coincide with the long-awaited release tomorrow of the Code of Layer Hens in which the industry is calling for the indefinite continuation of battery cages in New Zealand.

Following the launch the hens, which have been rescued by the SPCA, will be taken to a lifestyle block to live out the rest of their days.

Ms Kedgley will hand over the SPCA pledge cards which the top 16 Green candidates have signed, promising to advance the welfare of all animals, and phase out battery hen cages by 2010.

"The Greens want to make animal welfare a key issue at this election. We will be urging people to vote with their hearts so that millions of animals in New Zealand can be freed from lives of caged suffering," said Ms Kedgley.

The launch will be on the back lawn of parliament tomorrow at midday.

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