How would a nationwide switch to cage-free eggs affect egg prices and consumption? A group of egg industry economists estimates that eggs would cost 40 percent more, but since demand for this product is fairly inelastic consumption would only drop by about 10 percent.
Still, 10 percent fewer eggs is a big deal, and it represents a tremendous amount of suffering and slaughter that would be prevented. And since the birds still in the system would no longer be in battery cages, there would be less suffering on that front as well.
I occasionally hear from animal advocates who adamantly assert that banning cruel farming practices doesn’t significantly increase the cost of animal products or reduce demand. So much for that idea. (Thanks, Paul.) Link.
