England to phase out hen cages and pig farrowing crates under new animal welfare strategy
England plans to end the use of hen cages and phase out pig farrowing crates by 2030, moving towards non-cage systems and reviewing the use of enriched colony cages.
The new animal welfare strategy, described by Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds as the most ambitious in a generation, includes bans on trail hunting and puppy farming.
Imports of animal products will have to meet UK welfare standards to prevent unfair competition, with Defra stating it will not lower food standards and will assess any overseas advantages.
The strategy also involves consulting on phasing out enriched colony cages and exploring alternatives to farrowing crates to end confinement systems.
Additional measures include introducing a dog breeder registration scheme and stricter licensing to improve health and welfare standards for animals.
The National Farmers' Union emphasizes matching import standards to UK levels to protect British farmers, while the National Pig Association will monitor the progress on farrowing crates. The RSPCA sees the proposed ban on puppy farming as potentially game-changing.
However, the Countryside Alliance criticizes the proposed trail hunting ban as unnecessary. Tim Bonner and Conservative chair Kevin Hollinrake argue that this measure unfairly targets rural Britain.
