ANIMAL lovers in Petersfield protested against supermarket giant Tesco in a demonstration on Wednesday. Campaigners camped outside the superstore on The Causeway from noon demanding Tesco to stop selling eggs from battery-caged hens. Compassion in World Farming was the animal welfare charity spearheading the demonstration as part of a series of peaceful protests up and down the country in a week of action, with the slogan 'Every cage hurts'. Head of campaigns for Compassion in World Farming Gill Sanders said: "Despite the scientific evidence that the battery-cage system is cruel and increased public support for free-range farming, Tesco, the largest UK supermarket, continues to make no commitment to stop selling battery eggs. "Keeping hens in battery cages is cruel and unnecessary. If two of the other big four supermarkets (Sainsbury and Morrisons) have made major moves toward ending the sale of battery eggs, why can't Tesco? "Consumers can really make a difference by buying higher welfare eggs. You need to look closely at the labels on egg boxes to ensure you are not buying battery cages." Compassion in World Farming was founded 40 years ago by a Petersfield farmer. Head of media for Compassion in World Farming Annabel Davis said: "Battery cages confine laying hens in small wire cages. Under EU law, each bird has an allotted floor space of less than a sheet of A4 paper. The conditions cause immense psychological and physical suffering, leaving hens unable to exercise or to carry out many natural behaviours. "Furthermore, recent scientific research found that eggs from battery cages were significantly more likely to carry salmonella than free-range or organic eggs." A Tesco spokesman said: "There were 10 or 12 protestors with banners outside the store. It was a peaceful and well-organised demonstration. "The comments from the customers will be passed on to our head office."