My View: Better Protections for Caged Hens

Thank you to everyone who contacted me about the use of cages in farming.

Animals should receive the care, respect, and protection that they rightly deserve, in whatever farming system they are kept. That is why I am delighted that our Government, in its ambitious new Animal Welfare Strategy, has announced they will work closely with industry to phase out the use of enriched cages for laying hens and farrowing crates for pigs. I am even more glad to share with you that I understand that ending the use of cages and crates is a key priority for Ministers in the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra). 

With hens, I am proud the sector has already moved towards free range and barn systems, with support from Government grants and encouraged by major retailer pledges to stop selling shell eggs from colony cages by the end of 2025. As we move forward, I know Defra is committed to working with the sector to move towards cage-free systems for all laying hens. Our Government’s consultation on this subject closed back in March 2026 and the Government is analysing the responses.

Regarding pigs, I know there is a significant outdoor pig sector, with 50% of the sow breeding herd giving birth freely, instead of in farrowing crates (which are designed to protect piglets but prevent natural behaviour from the mother). I am encouraged our Government has committed to work with the sector to move all sows out of farrowing crates over a sustainable transition period.

I also strongly support a ban on the use of carbon dioxide gas (CO2) stunning of pigs as set out in our Government’s Animal Welfare Strategy. There is a pressing need to address the welfare issues associated with the use of high concentration CO2 gas for stunning pigs. I look forward to our Government’s public consultation on such measures in due course.

I know these are complex issues that need careful consideration, which is why I welcome the work Defra is doing with industry, animal welfare organisations and scientists to deliver ambitious reforms alongside ensuring stability and confidence for the farming sector.

The UK is rightly proud of our high animal welfare standards that underpin our high-quality produce, and I am proud to support measures that continue to uphold this.

Thank you once again to everyone who contacted me. I can assure you that I will continue to support measures that ensure all farmed animals have a life worth living.