Space allowance for laying hens.- All new farms or replacement of old cages (whatever name is called) must meet the following specifications, namely:-
(i) The floor space per bird shall not be less than five hundred and fifty square centimeters; and
(ii) Each enclosure should accommodate preferably a minimum of six to eight birds, thus ensuring reasonable space for laying hens for lying down, standing up, flap wings, turning around, and accessing feed and water.
Enforcement time.–
(1) The State Government shall notify the administrative provisions necessary to comply with these rules on or before the 31st day of July 2023 and such States shall forthwith inform the same to the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, New Delhi.
(2) The existing farms shall adopt the new animal welfare guidelines on or before 1st January 2029.