Today (12 January), the UK Government has launched two public consultations – one on phasing out cages for laying hens by 2032, and another on updating the Sheep Welfare Code to minimise pain during lamb castration and tail docking.

We welcome this news, which is a huge step towards improving welfare standards for lambs and finally addressing the suffering of more than seven million hens still kept in enriched cages across the UK each year.

Accelerating the Transition to Cage‑Free Egg Production

Cages epitomise the cramped, behaviourally restrictive conditions of intensive livestock farming, and Compassion has worked tirelessly to consign them to history.

Over the past 15 years, we’ve partnered with food companies to support their transition away from cages, and the Government’s new commitment to phase out cages for laying hens builds on the significant progress already achieved.

Currently, 83% of UK hens are already in cage-free systems across the UK, where they can scratch in litter, dustbathe, stretch their wings and move freely.

Most UK food companies are either already cage-free or are transitioning away from cages for egg-laying hens, recognising the clear consumer demand for cage-free eggs. Last November, food business representatives showed their support by joining 50 cross-party Parliamentarians at a Westminster reception calling for an end to the use of cages for laying hens.

At the end of 2025, Defra released its Animal Welfare Strategy signalling their intention to end the use of cages for laying hens and has subsequently launched its public consultation.

Dr Tracey Jones, Director of Food Business said:

We welcome the UK Government’s leadership in honouring a key commitment in its Animal Welfare Strategy by swiftly launching a consultation on phasing out cages for laying hens.

Most UK food businesses are already cage‑free or well on their way, recognising the strong consumer demand for cage-free eggs. A national ban would finally level the playing field and ensure that cage‑free becomes the baseline standard for egg production in the UK.

We will be responding to the consultation and urging the Government to adopt a far more ambitious timeline for ending the use of caged systems for laying hens and will continue to support companies on their cage-free journey.

Need support transitioning to cage‑free eggs?

Our Food Business team offers practical guidance, technical insight, and a wide range of resources to help you move successfully into cage‑free systems for laying hens. Get in touch—we’re ready to support your transition.

A move away from sheep mutilation

Sheep mutilation practices like castration and tail docking cause significant suffering. To improve lamb welfare, farmers will be required to minimise pain whenever these procedures are carried out, including greater use of pain relief and exploring accessible alternatives. These changes are grounded in the latest scientific evidence and follow advice from the independent Animal Welfare Committee.

Turning Animal Welfare Policy into Real Change for Farm Animals

Compassion stands ready to work with the Government to turn their commitments into real policy change and to support companies on their journey to future-fit, higher-welfare systems for all farmed species. If you need support please contact our Food Business team.

UK ban on cages for laying hens in sight