LANSING, Mich. (WXYZ) — All egg-laying hens in Michigan will be case-free by the end of 2024, according to a new bill signed into law this week.
Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist signed Senate Bill 174 on Thursday. The bill says that by December 2024, all egg-laying hens in Michigan will be cage-free and no non-cage free eggs will be legally allowed to be sold in Michigan.
“Michigan is known for having one of the most diverse agricultural and farming industries in the nation,” said Gilchrist. “Signing this bill is the right thing to do. This will ensure that our standards are amongst the strongest in the nation when it comes to protecting animal welfare, while ensuring that egg producers are able to continue to thrive.”
“The package of bills not only address the provisions around egg-laying hens in the state, but it also provides the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development with key disease emergency response tools which are critical for protecting public and animal health,” said Gary McDowell, MDARD Director. “I appreciate everyone who came to the table to develop policy that moves the state forward, supports Michigan’s farming community and helps protect public health.”
This makes Michigan the fifth state and the largest egg producing state in the nation to adopt a cage-free requirement. Other states are California, Washington, Oregon and Rhode Island.
“We’re grateful for the tremendous work of the lieutenant governor’s office in advancing the treatment of egg-laying hens,” said Molly Tamulevich, Michigan State Director of the Humane Society of the United States. “Switching to cage-free production methods will dramatically improve the lives of millions of animals per year.”
“Michigan’s family egg farmers applaud the Whitmer Administration for positioning Michigan as a national leader in cage free egg production. While consumers are demanding more cage-free eggs, it is Michigan’s law which will inspire greater integrity and transparency across the U.S. food system, and allow hard working farm families to continue for future generations,” said Allison Brink, Executive Director at Michigan Allied Poultry Industries.
The bill was sponsored by State Sen. Kevin Daley and was passed unanimously in both chambers of the Michigan legislature.
