Yesterday (16th June), Parliament debated the future of cages for farmed animals, following an online petition calling for the UK Government to End the Cage Age for all farmed animals.

The petition, launched in January by our fabulous Patron Dame Joanna Lumley, gained over 100,00 signatures in just three months – clearly demonstrating public support for ending the use of cages in farming.

The debate saw MPs from multiple parties speaking in support of banning cages. Many MPs also referenced the huge number of emails they’ve received from their constituents and spoke of the British public’s support for action on this vital issue.

ending the cage age

In the UK, approximately 7 million laying hens endure most of their lives in so-called 'enriched' cages, each with only around the space of an A4 sheet of paper. Additionally, over 150,000 sows are confined in farrowing crates when nursing their piglets. Calves, quail, and game birds also suffer severe confinement.

We are encouraged that the UK Government has pledged to announce an animal welfare strategy by the end of the year and during the debate confirmed that they are keen to act on cages – not wanting to fall behind EU countries that are already banning these outdated farming systems.

It is also reassuring that the Government recognised the significance that method of production labelling can play in improving animal welfare and the need to “protect farmers from being undercut by low welfare and low standards in trade deals” . It was acknowledged both will need addressing as part of the process of phasing out cages effectively.

Time for the UK to catch up

Irene Campbell MP, who led the debate, set out the case for the Government taking steps towards ending the use of crates and cages. She commented:

It is definitely time for the UK to catch up with the animal welfare standards of other countries. We call ourselves a nation of animal lovers, but are we really? People may be surprised to hear that the UK is now ranked 9th in Europe in terms of the percentage of cage-free animals, and a number of other European countries have already banned or are phasing out farrowing crates and enriched cages.

Ambitious plans to improve animal welfare

Daniel Zeichner, Minister of State for Defra said during the debate:

The Government were elected on a mandate to introduce the most ambitious plans in a generation to improve animal welfare, and that is exactly what we will do. The Department has initiated a series of meetings with key stakeholders as part of the development of an overarching approach to animal welfare... the Prime Minister committed to publishing an animal welfare strategy later this year. That is exactly what we will do, and I look forward to being able to outline more detail in due course.

Catalyst for change

Our Chief Public Affairs Manager, James West, who attended the debate, said:

It’s great to see the use of cages in farming discussed by policy makers. With such overwhelming support from MPs for Government action, and celebrities and the British public backing this petition in such big numbers, it is clear the Government must now begin the process of legislating to phase out these outdated farming systems. With so many voices speaking out against cages we hope this will be the catalyst to finally End the Cage Age once and for all.

UK MPs debate banning cages for farmed animals