The government has confirmed plans to ‘move away’ from farrowing crates and address the use of CO2 in abattoirs, as part of its Animal Welfare Strategy.
The long-awaited strategy, which also covers pets and wild animals, sets out how the government will deliver improved welfare for farmed animals by:
- Moving away from confinement systems such as colony cages for laying hens and the use of pig farrowing crates.
- Addressing the welfare issues that arise from the use of CO2 to stun pigs.
- Promoting the use of slow growing meat chicken breeds.
A formal consultation setting out detailed proposals on transitioning away from farrowing crates is expected in 2026, following one on the government’s plans on laying cages. The pig sector has already made progress in voluntarily moving away from conventional crates towards flexible systems – and will be seeking assurances that any legislation governing the transition porovides a sifficient timescale and support for producers.
The government is expected to consult on CO2 in abttoirs later next year. Again, the industry will be stressing must not be banned until a proven alternative is in place.
Defra also announced that farm animals in England and Wales will be better protected from dog attacks thanks to new Livestock Worrying laws. Tougher penalties and greater police powers will help relieve the emotional and financial strain these attacks place on farming communities.
In one of the biggest headlines from the strategy, the government also sets out its intention to ban trail hunting amidst concerns it is being used as a smokescreen for hunting.
Defra secretary Emma Reynolds said: “We’re a nation of animal lovers. This government is delivering the most ambitious animal welfare strategy in a generation.
“Our strategy will raise welfare standards for animals in the home, on the farm and in the wild. We’ve already acted to improve zoo standards, end puppy smuggling and protect livestock from dog attacks. Now, we’re planning to ban caged hens, cruel snares, trail hunting, and curb low welfare dog breeding.”
Thomas Schultz-Jagow, Director of Advocacy and Prevention at RSPCA, said: “The government’s new Animal Welfare Strategy is a significant step forward which has the potential to improve the lives of millions of animals.
“People in the UK love animals and they want to see governments leading the way to outlaw cruel practices which cause suffering such as a phase out of cages for laying hens and farrowing crates for pigs.”
Charlotte Di Cello, chief commercial officer at Waitrose, comments: “The Animal Welfare Strategy is an important step towards better lives for farmed animals. Shoppers want higher welfare standards and it is really good to know that some of the more inhumane methods of farming, such as fast-growing chickens, will be consigned to history in the UK.
“Our new welfare rating label has been welcomed and we are hopeful the strategy will be a springboard to a mandatory scheme in the future to boost transparency and more conscious choice for shoppers.”