Thank you for contacting me about the use of cages for farm animals.
As the highest ranked G7 nation on World Animal Protection's Animal Protection Index, the UK is a world leader on animal welfare.
Much progress has been made over the last few years on animal welfare in the UK. This includes passing the Animal Welfare (Sentience) Act, recognising the sentience of vertebrate animals and some invertebrate animals. In addition, the Animal Welfare (Sentencing) Act introduced tougher sentences for cruelty, increasing maximum sentences.
Recognising some of the challenges that numerous sectors have faced in recent years, I do not believe that the time is right to consult on cage reforms. I am informed that the market is already driving the move away from using cages for laying hen production, with over 60 per cent of eggs coming from free range production. Regarding pigs, the UK also has a significant outdoor pig sector, with 40 per cent of the national sow breeding herd farrow freely on outdoor pig units with no option of confinement.
Of course, if you have specific concerns about the welfare of an animal, I recommend reporting it to the police or the RSPCA.
Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.
