Animal welfare activists release footage of battery cage poultry farm in Slovenia

The AETP animal welfare society has released footage from a battery cage poultry farm in central Slovenia, documenting severe hygiene and welfare concerns. The recordings, taken at a facility in the Brezovica municipality with a capacity for over 5,000 hens, show decomposing animal carcasses, broken eggs mixed with larvae, and manure-covered egg collection surfaces.

According to the AETP, the footage reveals unhygienic conditions, including clogged drainage systems and uncovered buckets containing dead birds in the same area where live hens lay eggs. The society has submitted the footage and a professional opinion to the Administration for Food Safety, Veterinary Sector and Plant Protection, alleging violations of animal protection and food hygiene regulations.

These findings come amid political debate regarding the timeline for banning battery cages. While activists are calling for an immediate transition, the Slovenian government has proposed delaying the ban on enriched cage farming from 2029 until 2035.