We’re urging supporters to speak up for animals by taking part in an important European Commission public consultation on animal welfare that could help ban cages for farmed animals.

The consultation, which will help shape legislative proposals, is vital as it gives citizens all over Europe the chance to let the Commission know what they think about animal welfare in the EU. Supporters have until 12 December to speak up for the almost 300 million animals still suffering in cages each year, and make sure the EU delivers its promise to relegate cages to the history books. 

The more people who speak up for animals now, the stronger the message to the Commission that they must improve animal welfare and ban cages with no further delays.

How to take part 

We’ve launched a guide to explain each question and make it as easy as possible for you to submit your own unique response based on your personal views. Taking part is simple and takes about 45 mins.

We are also running online ‘consultation parties’, to address any questions about the process you might have. These will take place on 22 Nov (10-11am CET) and 27 Nov (7-8pm CET). Get in touch with the team to book your space: etca (at) ciwf.org. 

The state of animal welfare in the EU 

 Here are some of the main arguments we’ll be using in the consultation to outline why we need ambitious, comprehensive legislation.

IMPORTANT: You can use these arguments in your consultation response, but you must NOT COPY-PASTE. Copy-pasted arguments will be automatically deleted by the European Commission system. 

 Phasing out cages, crates, and individual pens for all farmed animals is the most urgent change needed to improve the current animal welfare legislation. 
Current EU laws don’t allow farm animals to live naturally and behave like they should, despite the vast majority of Europeans wanting to see a cage-free future.
Not only should animal welfare standards be improved within the EU, but they should also be applied to animal-based products from third countries imported into the EU. Reforming animal welfare not only sets higher standards for all farmed animals but will also help to improve the sustainability of farming and protect our planet.
Other critical measures needed are a ban on the killing of day-old male chicks and on the use of fast-growing breeds, the end of routine mutilations for all animals, humane slaughter for all species, and the inclusion of species-specific legislation for aquatic animals.
Many farmers and food producers are already showing that moving away from cages is not only necessary, but also possible. They should be strongly supported in this transition through clearer legalisation across the EU, knowledge sharing, and public funding.
Consumers should be helped to make informed decisions through the rollout of EU-wide welfare labelling on all animal products until bans on caged products come into force.

Eloise Shavelar, our Global Head of Campaigns for Animal Welfare, said:

This is a rare and powerful moment to speak up for the millions of animals still suffering in cages across Europe. They can’t raise their voices, but we can.

Every response to this consultation matters. That’s why we’re urging everyone to take part. Together, we can make sure every cage is an empty one. 

We will show the European Commission that people across Europe demand nothing less than a ban on cages for all species in 2026 – no more broken promises, no more delays.

Make your voice heard: urge the EU to ban cages