MAINE, USA — Maine might join a growing number of states that require cage-free facilities for chickens that lay eggs for commercial consumption.
Democratic Rep. Maggie O'Neil of Saco has proposed requiring producers that sell eggs in the state to follow guidelines that include cage-free housing systems that allow chickens to engage in behaviors such as perching and spreading their wings.
O'Neil's proposal, if approved, would result in guidelines developed by animal welfare groups and members of the egg industry. O'Neil says consumers, retailers, producers and welfare advocates all agree that “the future of the egg industry is cage-free.”
Some industry advocates are skeptical. Jim Buckle, president of the Maine Farm Bureau Association, testified against the bill. He wrote that the state should “let the market choose what they want to eat.”
Massachusetts, Michigan, California, Oregon and Washington have passed cage-free egg laws via legislation or public votes. The Maine proposal is up for a work session in the coming weeks, after which it would face votes before the Maine Legislature.
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