Tampa joins a growing number of cities supporting the move away from one of the worst forms of factory farm animal abuse. Today, the Tampa City Council approved a resolution to oppose cramming egg-laying hens into tiny battery cages so small the birds can barely move.

The resolution states that the Council "opposes battery cage egg production, based on the inherent cruelty of confining egg-laying hens in battery cages," and further "encourages consumers of eggs not to purchase eggs produced by caged hens."

Tampa is the fifth Florida city (and eleventh in the nation) to pass a resolution on battery cage confinement.

"Tampa's council members should be applauded for taking a stand against one of the most egregious forms of animal abuse," said Paul Shapiro, senior director of The Humane Society of the United States' factory farming campaign. "The confinement of laying hens in battery cages is out of step with mainstream American values, and it's time for the egg industry to end this cruelty."

Facts

• Tampa joins Hollywood, West Palm Beach, Winter Springs and New Port Richey in passing such a resolution. Florida-based Burger King is moving away from selling eggs from caged hens, as part of a national movement away from supporting battery cage confinement.
• U.S. factory farms confine approximately 280 million hens in barren battery cages that are so small, the birds can't even spread their wings. Each bird has less space than a single sheet of paper on which to live.
• While cage-free does not mean cruelty-free, cage-free hens generally have 250-300 percent more space per bird and are able to engage in more of their natural behaviors than are caged hens. While cage free hens may not be able to go outside, they are able to walk, spread their wings, and lay their eggs in nests—all behaviors permanently denied to hens confined in battery cages.

Timeline

• February 2008—Safeway announces a far-reaching animal welfare program, including a purchasing preference for cage-free eggs.
• December 2007—Compass Group, the world's largest food service provider with over 7,500 U.S. clients, begins phasing out cage eggs.
• March 2007—Burger King announces that it has started phasing in cage-free eggs in its North American locations.
• March 2007—Celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck announces that he will no longer use cage eggs.
• September 2006—Ben & Jerry's announces that it will phase out cage eggs in its ice creams.
• May 2005—Whole Foods Market announce that they have ended sales of cage eggs.
• November 2003—The Better Business Bureau rules that it is misleading to label eggs from battery-caged hens as "Animal Care Certified."

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• The Humane Society of the United States is the nation's largest animal protection organization—backed by 10.5 million Americans, or one of every 30. For more than a half-century, The HSUS has been fighting for the protection of all animals through advocacy, education, and hands-on programs. Celebrating animals and confronting cruelty—on the web at humanesociety.org.