Defra secretary Emma Reynolds has confirmed that the government will consult on welfare improvements for hens and lambs in January, with no date set yet for a consultation on pig farrowing systems.
In a written ministerial statement, Ms Reynolds summarised the key commitments within the government’s Animal Welfare Strategy, published just before Christmas.
For the pig sector, the key commitments include:
- We will consult on moving away from confinement systems such as colony cages for laying hens and farrowing crates for pigs so that animals can express their normal behaviours.
- We will improve welfare for pigs at the time of killing by phasing out the use of CO2 gas stunning for pigs, which causes pain and distress, subject to a consultation.
She added: “We will begin by launching two public consultations in January, on the use of cages for laying hens, pullets and breeder layers, and on lamb castration and tail docking, as the first step toward advancing these ambitious animal welfare reforms.”
While no timescales have been mentioned, the industry is expecting consultations on farrowing systems and CO2 at some point in 2026.
Other strategy commitments include working with industry to promote the use of slow growing meat chicken breeds and introducing humane slaughter requirements for farmed fish.
These are alongside various commitments relating to pets, including ending puppy farming, and wildlife, including banning trail hunting and ending the use of snare traps.
Ambitious reforms
Ms Reynolds said the strategy sets out the UK government’s priorities for England, focusing on the changes and improvements it aims to achieve by 2030.
“This Government is committed to safeguarding the welfare of animals for the long term, and we are changing how we will deliver the improvements needed to achieve the most ambitious reforms to animal welfare in a generation,” she said.
“The strategy is a comprehensive package of reforms which will improve the lives of millions of animals across the UK at home, on farm and in the wild.”
She said the strategy gives farm animals greater freedom and dignity and protects our wildlife. “By improving animal welfare standards, we are supporting healthier, more productive livestock that delivers better outcomes for farmers, farm profitability, food security and the high welfare standards that British consumers expect,” she said.
Strategic approach
Ms Reynolds said the strategy has been developed in conjunction with key stakeholders including representatives of the companion, wild companion, wild animal and farming sectors along with NGOs and those involved in enforcement.
“Rather than piecemeal legislation, we will take a more strategic approach – one that targets intervention where it is most needed. This means tighter regulation where standards are weakest, effective enforcement, and working with the sector to provide animal keepers and owners with additional support where they need it,” she added.
“The Government recognises that each sector and species of animal has its own needs and challenges that must be considered to ensure good welfare. As such, different approaches are required, balancing priorities, interventions, legislation and roles for different organisations.
“Our vision is simple: we want as many animals as possible to have the highest welfare standards at every stage of their life. Together with industry, non-governmental organisations and individuals, this government will deliver the most ambitious reforms for animal welfare in a generation, creating a legacy we can all be proud of.”