A group known as Washingtonians for Humane Farms is pushing for a ban of battery cages in the state of Washington. The group is backed by national animal welfare groups The Humane Society of the United States and Farm Sanctuary. 

In Washington, six millions hens are currently kept in battery cages, cages so small they not have room to spread their wings. They are kept in filthy conditions, and do not receive veterinary care. Hens have been even discovered to share cages with decaying hens. Cage-free hens are able to walk around, and they have two to three times the amount of space as those kept in cages. 

Cage-free facilities not only improve the lives of hens, but also reduce public health risks. Cage-free facilities have significantly lower rates of salmonella than cage facilities do.

Washingtonians for Humane Farms needs 300,000 signatures to get this initiative on the ballot. If you live in the state of Washington, and would like to help free six million birds from their cages, please go to the website of the Washingtonians for Humane Farms to add your name to the petition. 

But the rest of the world needs to put pressure of the state of Washington as well. Sign the petition to ask Washington state to ban battery cages. 

Photo Credit: Dano