Chicken or the Egg? Regulating battery cage farming in South Australia (A) 2011-127.1

In August 2000, growing animal welfare concern prompted new regulations for domestic poultry kept for commercial purposes. These regulations included increasing the size of new battery hen cages and phasing out or modifying existing cages by 2008. It was up to each jurisdiction how and to what extent the regulations were implemented, and by the end of 2006 South Australia had not yet introduced changes. Egg producers wanted clarity so they could decide whether to invest in new cages or exit the industry, at a time of falling egg prices, rising operational costs and increasing public concern about the treatment of livestock.

This case gives detailed data for discussion of the options available to South Australian regulators, considering economic factors and changing public perceptions. It details the proposed regulations and its various impacts for the South Australian egg industry.

Read more:

• The epilogue can be used to follow up discussion of the options available to regulators, considering economic factors and changing public perceptions. It details the proposed regulator decision and its possible alternatives, as determined by a working group for advice to the Minister.