The use of cages for laying hens could be phased out by 2032 and painful practices for lambs could be intensified under new government plans announced today.
Ministers have set out proposals aimed at raising welfare standards for millions of livestock, while sustaining food production and supporting a sustainable agricultural sector.
The plan would see all colony cage systems used for laying hens across the UK, including small-scale producers, phased out. Enhanced colony cages now account for just over 20% of shell egg production.
The proposed changes build on commitments already made by major retailers such as Sainsbury’s and Aldi to only sell cage-free eggs. The government says the move reflects both the direction of the industry and strong public support for higher welfare standards.
Alongside poultry reforms, the government is also discussing tightening regulations regarding sheep practices such as castration and tail docking.
These procedures are common and can cause pain to lambs, especially if done without anesthesia or painkillers.
Under the proposal, if castration or tail docking is unavoidable, farmers would be expected to take steps to minimize pain. This could include expanding the use of painkillers and improving access to alternative methods to reflect the latest scientific evidence.
This action follows advice from the independent Animal Welfare Board. Agriculture Minister Dame Angela Eagle said: “We are committed to improving the lives of livestock and supporting farmers to produce food sustainably, profitably and to the high standards that consumers expect.”
It added: “British consumers demand high animal welfare standards and these measures reflect those values, resulting in healthier livestock and high welfare food production.”
Animal rights groups welcomed the announcement. Anthony Field, head of World Farming Compassion UK, said: “We warmly welcome the UK Government’s leadership in honoring the key commitments in the Animal Welfare Strategy by quickly starting a consultation to phase out the use of cages for laying hens.”
He described the move as “an important and long-awaited step towards ending the cage era”, adding that phasing out cages for millions of chickens “cannot happen quickly”.
Mr Field also welcomed proposals on lamb welfare, saying “lambs are routinely subjected to painful and unnecessary mutilation” and that castration and tail docking “are usually carried out without the use of anesthesia or painkillers, causing great suffering”.
The government said the plan was the first step towards delivering on its promise to introduce the most ambitious animal welfare reforms in a generation.
These are part of a wider animal welfare strategy that builds on recent legislation to strengthen the protection of farm animals and livestock.
Both proposals will be subject to an eight-week consultation starting today, which will allow for full consideration of the implications for farmers and trade.
Ministers said they were committed to working with farmers to address change, while encouraging industry and welfare organizations to share their views.
