OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) -- A coalition led by the Humane Society of the United States has filed an initiative seeking to stop the use of cages to confine hens in Washington state.

The group said Wednesday that its proposed measure would require egg-laying hens to have enough room to turn around and extend their wings and that eggs are produced under those standards.

Humane Society spokesman Paul Shapiro says the coalition will rely on an extensive network of volunteers to gather signatures.

Secretary of state spokesman David Ammons says the initiative would need about 242,000 signatures by July 8 to make the November ballot.

United Egg Producers spokesman Mitch Head says the modern cage system currently in use is best for hens, food safety and the environment.

Copyright 2011 The AP.