Write to your MP to help set hens free

Soon, Agricultural Ministers from across Australia will gather to consider an update to the standards and guidelines for Poultry which have not been updated since the early 2000s. They will be considering a potential phase-out of cruel battery cages. 

Contacting your member of parliament (MP) is a quick and easy way to be a voice for chickens. You can also amplify your impact by joining forces with other. We’ve put together some key points to help you organise a virtual letter writing party with family and friends. 

1. Plan:  set a date and time then invite family, friends and colleagues to join your hens letter writing party 

2. Gather: figure out how you will virtually meet up and what you'll need to prepare in advance, 

3. Host: on the day/ night of the event, let everyone know a bit of information about why you are writing to MPs and why hens need them all. 

Do's

• Provide a link for others to find what electorate they live in and who their MP is. 
• Provide a draft letter or email for others to use as a template. We've included some points below. 
• Be short and to the point but include any personal experiences you have with layer hens or backyard chickens

Don'ts

• Don't be rude or swear in your letter, keep it polite and respectful. 
• Don't add glitter or craft to your letter as it may get rejected in the post. 
• Don't worry if you make a mistake. 

Points to draw on could include:

• Tell them more than 9 million hens are suffering in these cages.
• Tell them Australia and NSW are falling behind the EU and NZ on banning battery cages.
• Between 3 and 8 hens are crammed in a single cage – this leaves them without room to flap their wings, dust bathe or perform other natural behaviours. It’s no life for these intelligent and social animals.
• Each hen lives in a space smaller than an A4 piece of paper.
• These social animals suffer both physically and mentally in these cages.
• Hens are painfully debeaked without anaesthetic.
• Battery hens live for one-tenth of their life expectancy before they’re killed.

How to locate your local member:

You can find who your local member on the NSW Parliament web page.
This lists all lower house members – simply search for your state electorate.

Thank you for helping to set hens free.

Image: Thomas Park on Upsplash