The Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying (MoFAHD) on February 27, 2023, issued the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Egg Laying Hens) Rules, 2023.
The following has been stated namely: -
• These rules address space allowance for commercial layer pullets or laying hens of species Gallus gallus domesticus to clarify space requirement of laying hens and layer pullets kept in conventional colony enclosures, previously referred to as battery cages, for egg production.
• These rules shall apply to the farms where egg-laying hens are housed in colony enclosures.
• If any person owning or having charge of farms contravenes the rules, he shall be punishable with a fine as provided under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960 and when the contravention is by an entity, the person in-charge and having administrative control over the farm shall be deemed to be guilty of the offence and shall be punishable accordingly.
• The existing farms shall adopt the new animal welfare guidelines on or before January 01, 2029.
This has come into force on February 27, 2023
[Notification No. 139(E)]
