The UK Government’s new Animal Welfare Strategy, released recently, marks an historic turning point for farmed animals across England. The strategy sets out the Government’s priorities and focuses on the changes and improvements it aims to achieve by 2030. Compassion in World Farming (Compassion) is thrilled to see a commitment to phase out cages for laying hens and farrowing crates for sows.
For decades, cages have been the enduring symbol of intensive livestock farming, and Compassion has fought tirelessly to consign them to history. Today’s announcement represents one of the most significant steps yet towards ending cages for all farmed animals in the UK.
While the actions focus on England, Defra will also work closely with the Devolved Governments to take coordinated action where appropriate.
Ending cages for hens and sows
The strategy’s commitment to phase out the use of colony cages for laying hens has the potential to benefit the lives of more than seven million birds every year. With 83% of hens already in cage-free systems across the UK – where they are able to scratch in litter, dustbathe, stretch their wings and move freely – this commitment builds on the strong progress that has already been made by industry and food companies.
Most UK food companies are either already cage-free or are transitioning away from cages for egg-laying hens. In November 2024, eight of the UK’s largest food companies including Aldi, Greggs, Morrisons, M&S and Waitrose, signed an open letter to Defra supporting an immediate ban on new cage systems and a phase out of existing systems by the end of the current Parliament. And last month, food business representatives joined 50 cross-party Parliamentarians at a Westminster reception calling for an end to the use of cages for laying hens.
There are already minimum standards for barn and free-range production in place, and Compassion’s Food Business team has resources available and is ready to support companies on the transition into future-fit, higher welfare systems for laying hens.
Compassion is also delighted to see the Government’s pledge to phase out the use of farrowing crates for sows in indoor production. Whilst voluntary transition away from crates has been limited to date, the British Veterinary Association and National Pig Association recognise its inevitable demise. Legislation will bring this about faster and has the potential to benefit the lives of 150,000 sows. Free from crates and in well-designed pens, sows are able to express natural behaviours such as nesting, caring for their young, rooting and exploring.
Compassion’s Food Business team can provide insight and guidance on transitioning to sow pens that avoid routine temporary crating and are built with a loose sow in mind.
Compassion has been calling on the Government to ensure fair competition by also insisting on equivalent welfare requirements for all imported products so there is a level playing field within the industry. Defra has stated in its strategy that it will consider whether overseas produce has an unfair advantage and will be prepared to use the full range of powers at its disposal to protect the most sensitive sectors.
Addressing humane slaughter methods
It’s encouraging to see Defra recognise the urgent need to address welfare issues arising from the use of CO2 to stun and kill pigs. Around 90% of pigs sent for slaughter in the UK are currently killed using CO2, despite decades of scientific evidence showing that the aversive method causes pigs significant suffering including severe pain in their eyes, nose, mouth and lungs, along with panic, anxiety, gasping and respiratory distress for 21 to 60 seconds before losing consciousness.
Likewise, Compassion is excited to see a commitment to introduce standards for the humane slaughter of farmed fish – something we have long called for, so aquatic animals can receive the same levels of protection as terrestrial animals in the food system.
Promoting slower-growing meat chicken breeds
Improving broiler chicken welfare requires moving away from fast‑growing breeds who suffer from a wide range of health and welfare problems, so it is encouraging to see the Government’s support for this. The use of slower‑growing breeds is a core requirement of the Better Chicken Commitment (BCC) and is vital to raising welfare standards for meat chickens. UK retailers are reducing stocking densities to 30kg/m²—also in line with BCC criteria— so the next crucial step is transitioning to slower‑growing breeds. With over one billion broiler chickens raised in the UK each year, the vast majority from fast-growing breeds, it is a key welfare priority.
A lack of labelling progress
Despite much progress set out for farmed animals, Compassion is disappointed that mandatory method of production (MMOP) labelling is missing from the Animal Welfare Strategy. Encouragingly the Defra Secretary of State Emma Reynolds MP announced in Parliament on 18 December that the Government will continue to work on labelling separately.
Compassion will continue to campaign for Honest Labelling so shoppers can make purchases that align with their values. Food companies are already leading the way, such as the recent rollout of Waitrose’s new animal welfare labelling system—the first of its kind in UK supermarkets. The five-tier visual system gives consumers clear insight into how their food was produced, initially rating chicken products, based on farming methods and welfare standards.
The strategy also includes working with the sectors to improve welfare during transport, reduce the prevalence of painful mutilations such as tail docking of pigs and beak trimming of laying hens, as well as encouraging industry to end the practice of culling male laying hen chicks.
A huge breakthrough
Dr Tracey Jones, Global Director of Food Business at Compassion in World Farming said: “The Government’s new Animal Welfare Strategy, with its commitment to ending cages for laying hens and sows, presents a rare and powerful opportunity to advance the welfare of farmed animals. To realise the full promise this strategy holds, the Government must now consult on each of these important proposals and move at pace to set good minimum standards that will deliver real benefits to animals within an ambitious timeline.”
