We want your views on proposals to introduce a ban and phase out the use of cages in the UK’s laying hen sector.
Consultation description
We are specifically seeking views on proposals to:
- ban the use of enriched ‘colony’ cages for laying hens, pullets, and breeder layers.
- phase out the remaining conventional ‘battery’ cages used in laying hen units with fewer than 350 birds.
The proposed options include:
- a ban on the installation of new enriched ‘colony’ cages from 2027, followed by a complete ban on enriched ‘colony’ cage production from 2032
- a 2027 ban on the instalment of new enriched ‘colony’ cages, leading to a 2037 ban on enriched ‘colony’ cage production
- a 2030 ban on the instalment of new enriched ‘colony’ cages, leading to a 2034 ban on enriched ‘colony’ cage production
- a complete ban on enriched ‘colony’ cage production in 2030.
This is a joint consultation between the Welsh, UK, Scottish and Northern Ireland governments. It is led by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).
This consultation is being held on GOV.UK