Slovenia Passes Law to Ban Cages for Hens by 2028

Slovenia has officially passed a law banning cage farming for hens, with a full phase-out by the end of 2028. It applies to laying hens, pullets, and all parent flocks. 

The new very ambitious law passed on Thursday, 24th July. In a fourth, and final, vote by the National Assembly, overturning a veto passed by the National council.

For farm animals, beyond the cage ban, the new legislation brings two unprecedented wins:

• A ban on piglet castration without pain relief (requiring analgesia and anaesthesia). The procedure can only be done by a vet and no longer by the farmers themselves.
• State-funded sanctuaries for horses and other equines. Retired police horses and equines confiscated by inspection are the responsibility of the state. And will now have a chance at life in state-funded farm animal sanctuaries.

The fight happened on multiple fronts. But thanks to the massive support of the Slovenian public for cage-free, achieved by relentless campaigning, the cage ban ended up carrying the law. And the opposition to progressive reform was overrun. 

This is more than a policy win — it is a sign from yet another country that legislative change is achievable for farm animals and worth persuing. Additionally, a cage ban in another EU member state paves the way for a cage-free Europe.


Best,
Samo Curk, 
Executive Director at AETP