Report by the Animal Welfare Committee (AWC) on the welfare of laying hens in non-cage production systems.
Details
The principle objectives of the advice are:
- to inform government policy decisions on any reform of laying hens production systems
- to inform government engagement with industry when considering best options for animal welfare
- to provide evidence-based advice on improving welfare in non-cage egg production systems while recognising related welfare issues
AWC was asked:
- to assess how the welfare of laying hens in non-cage production systems, both barn and free-range (including organic), can be safeguarded and improved as production moves away from the use of cages
- to consider how the welfare of pullets destined for non-cage systems could be improved to smooth the transition between the rearing and laying environments
- to consider the welfare of free-range laying hens who need to be housed due to disease outbreaks. And what mitigations could be put in place to safeguard welfare in that scenario
The recommendations from AWC are included in the Opinion and will be considered by Welsh Government.