UK Government Announces Ambitious Animal Welfare Strategy to 2030
The UK government has unveiled a new animal welfare strategy aiming to end hen cages and phase out pig farrowing crates by 2030. Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds described the plan as the most ambitious animal welfare strategy in a generation. It includes a transition to non-cage systems, a consultation on phasing out enriched 'colony' cages, and exploring alternatives to farrowing crates.
The strategy also seeks to outlaw faster-growing 'Frankenchicken' breeds and bans trail hunting and puppy farming. A consultation on trail hunting is planned for 2026. The government will consult on a dog-breeder registration scheme and introduce higher welfare standards for licences, with support from the RSPCA, which considers a puppy-farm ban could be a game-changer and plans to work with the government to close loopholes.
The National Farmers' Union (NFU) emphasized the importance of imports meeting the same welfare standards to avoid unfair competition for British farmers. NFU President Tom Bradshaw warned that if imports do not adhere to UK standards, British farmers could face disadvantages. The National Pig Association is monitoring developments on farrowing crates and considering more flexible systems.
The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) assured that food standards will not be lowered and that it will assess whether overseas produce gains an unfair trade advantage under the new regulations.
