Legal Action: Campaigners Challenge European Commission Over Failure to Deliver for Animals

Papers have been filed at the Court of Justice of the European Union in Luxembourg to demonstrate the European Commission’s failure to act on its promise to introduce legislation to help animals who suffer in cages.

The End the Cage Age campaign was historic in being the first European citizens’ initiative (ECI) to successfully secure a proper commitment from the commission. PETA entities worked with Compassion in World Farming and a coalition of 170 animal rights, animal welfare, and environmental organisations around Europe to collect over 1.4 million signatures in support of banning the use of cages in animal agriculture. The commission made a clear commitment to introducing legislative proposals for an EU ban on caged farming before the end of 2023, but it has reneged on that promise.

The Citizens’ Committee of the End the Cage Age ECI – funded by Compassion in World Farming – is unfortunately required to try and make history yet again by being the first to hold the commission to account over its failure to act on an ECI. If the legal challenge is successful, the commission would be compelled by the court to publish its proposals within a clear and reasonable timescale and to grant access to its file on the initiative.

More than 300 million pigs, hens, rabbits, ducks, quail, and geese are suffering in cages across the EU – all are subjected to cruelty and misery. Sows are forced to nurse their piglets in a crate so small they can’t even turn around, rabbits and quail are held in barren cages for life, and ducks and geese are confined and force-fed to produce foie gras.

The best way to help prevent animals from suffering in cages is to go vegan. Rejecting the daily cruelty that occurs on farms and in abattoirs in the UK, across Europe, and elsewhere is as easy as making some simple and delicious changes when you sit down for dinner. Order PETA’s free vegan starter kit for tips, recipes, and advice.

Supporters of the #EndTheCageAge campaign can also show their support by sharing news of the legal action on social media and tagging European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen).

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