Compassion in World Farming welcomes the announcement, by the Farming Minister during the End the Cage Age debate this evening (20^th June), that the Government will bring forward consultations on the use of cages for laying hens and crates for farrowing sows but a firm timeline is needed.
The debate follows over 109,000 people signing a parliamentary petition, led by Compassion Patron Deborah Meaden, that called on the UK Government to End the Cage Age for all farmed animals.
Every year across the UK, 16 million farmed animals are kept in cages. These systems confine, restrict, and prevent animals from expressing many of their essential, natural behaviours.

James West, Senior Policy Manager at Compassion in World Farming, said:

“Over 109,000 people signed the petition by our patron, Deborah Meaden, that led to this debate, in support of calls to improve the welfare of over 16 million farm animals in the UK that are confined to cages for all or part of their life.

“The UK Government claims to want to be a global leader in animal welfare, and the broadly welcomed Action Plan for Animal Welfare, published by Defra last year, said the Government would be 'examining the use of cages for laying hens and farrowing crates for pigs'.

"The announcement by the Minister that consultations will be launched is an important next step, but a clear timeline must be set. We look forward to having the opportunity to make the case for phasing out these cruel systems in response to the consultations, so the UK can finally End the Cage Age.”

For further information or to book an interview, contact Compassion in World Farming’s Media Team: 01483 521 615 media.team@ciwf.org

To request a pdf version of this media statement, please email media.team@ciwf.org.uk

Government to bring forward consultations on the use of cages for laying hens & crates for farrowing sows