Deal suspends chicken cage ballot measures

Tom Banse — Fri, 08 Jul 2011 15:40:33 +0000

http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/kplu/local-kplu-976742.mp3

OLYMPIA, Wash. - Animal welfare groups in Oregon and Washington are shelving initiative petition drives that could have required egg producers to give hens more spacious cages.

Northwest lawmakers crack open egg controversy

Chris Lehman — Wed, 25 May 2011 21:09:02 +0000

http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/kplu/local-kplu-970567.mp3

The Northwest egg industry is changing the way it houses chickens. But animal rights activists in Oregon and Washington say the change isn't going far enough.

Lawmakers in both Olympia and Salem debated the welfare of egg-laying hens this year. Washington Governor Chris Gregoire has already signed one bill. A similar measure has been approved by the Oregon Senate and is awaiting action in the House.

Regardless, opponents in both states are launching ballot initiatives aimed at giving hens even more space.