As the highest ranked G7 nation on World Animal Protection's Animal Protection Index, the UK is a world leader on animal welfare.
Progress has been made as we see the number of hens in cages declining. Moreover legislative progress has been made including the passing of the Animal Welfare (Sentience) Act, recognising the sentience of vertebrate animals and some invertebrate animals. In addition, the Animal Welfare (Sentencing) Act introduced tougher sentences for cruelty, increasing maximum sentences.
I understand that some organisations, including the RSPCA, have launched campaigns urging the Government to publish consultations on phasing out the use of enriched colony cages for laying hens and of farrowing crates for pigs. I recognise that the RSPCA has played a significant role in leading the way on encouraging high standards when it comes to this issue such as not permitting the use of colony cages for laying hens or farrowing crates for pigs.
I also note that the market itself has been driving the move to alternative systems for laying hens away from the use of cages, primarily towards free range and barn. The transition to non-cage egg production has been supported by the major supermarkets, which have pledged to stop selling shell eggs from hens kept in colony cages by 2025. That shift by retailers has accelerated the move away from colony cage systems. Free-range eggs account for more than 60 per cent of total egg throughput in the UK.
In addition, the last Government announced a grant scheme to support laying-hen and pullet farmers with flocks of 1,000 birds or more to refurbish or replace existing housing, supporting a transition to cage-free systems.
I am wary of an outright ban, because whilst some countries are moving ahead with these changes not all are, and this might create severe cost competition pressures on some products for UK Farmers.
If anyone has specific concerns about the welfare of an animal, I recommend reporting it to the police or the RSPCA.
Kieran.