Scotland wants to ban the use of cages for laying hens!

The Scottish government, in Edinburgh, has initiated a consultation process regarding the phasing out enriched cages for laying hens. They aim to prohibit using new cages by 2033, followed by a complete ban on keeping chickens in enriched cages by 2034. In 2012, the UK banned battery or barren cages, prompting the adoption of enriched cages which purportedly provide more space for nesting, roosting, scratching, and resting, as per the Scottish government.

Over 1.1 million hens are currently housed in cages in Scotland as of February 2024. Despite these advancements, a 2020 survey revealed that 88% of the British public perceive cages in farming as cruel, with 77% advocating for a total ban on their use in agriculture. This data underscores a growing societal concern for the welfare of animals in farming practices.

Source: Canva

Agriculture minister Jim Fairlie says: “We want to improve the welfare of laying hens to ensure their confinement does not negatively impact their normal behaviors. Significant progress has already been made in recognizing the importance of animal welfare – both in government policies and the demand from the public in the choices they make when shopping. If implemented, the ban would be another example of Scotland leading the way in improving the welfare of animals by being the first UK nation to ban the practice.”

The British Egg Industry Council fears the ban will lead to job losses and less export. CEO Gary Ford: “In the UK, around a quarter of eggs consumed are laid by hens kept in enriched colony cage systems, meeting demand for affordable, nutritious, high-quality food, and providing a vital option for a large section of the population, particularly during the ongoing cost of living crisis. In the event of a cage ban, retailers and food service operators will resort to importing caged eggs from outside the UK, potentially with significantly lower welfare standards.”