Government outlines plans for new animal welfare standards

LAYING hens and lambs will benefit from higher animal welfare standards, under detailed plans set out by the UK Government this week.

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Under the proposals publicised on Monday, all colony cage systems across the laying hen sector would be phased out by 2032, including for smaller producers.

Proposals for tighter restrictions on sheep practices such as castration and tail docking carried out without pain relief are also being consulted on.

Enriched 'colony' cage eggs supply just over 20% of the UK shell egg production. These cages heavily restrict the movement of British laying hens with up to 80 birds are in each cage, with each bird having space that is no bigger than an A4 sheet of paper.

With the UK's leading retailers, from Sainsbury's to Aldi, already committed to not selling eggs produced from cage systems and widespread public support - the move is said to be in line with widespread best practice and public opinion.