Animal welfare: Czech Senate approves banning caged chicken breeding as of 2027

The Czech Senate has approved an amendment to the law on animal welfare that would ban farming chickens in cages starting from the year 2027 onwards. Proponents have argued that conditions are cruel while polls show consumers prefer buying eggs of chickens raised in open spaces.

Agriculture Minister Miroslav Toman had argued against the bill, saying any such ban should first be passed by the European Union, as otherwise it could put Czech farmers at a disadvantage. Neighbouring Germany and Austria have already adopted such a ban.

The amendment adopted by the upper house of Parliament on Friday also stipulates higher fines for the ill-treatment of animals and a ban on training in circuses. It has yet to be singed into law by the President Miloš Zeman.