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The UK government has initiated a pivotal consultation aimed at phasing out the use of caged systems for laying hens, a move that could reshape animal welfare standards in the poultry industry.

Announced by the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA), the consultation aims to address public concerns over animal welfare and the conditions in which farmed animals are kept.

The proposed measures include a ban on the introduction of new enriched or 'colony' cages starting in 2027, with a complete phase-out of all caged systems by 2032.

Additionally, the consultation seeks to eliminate the current exemption for smaller flocks kept in battery cages, which has permitted some operations to continue using these systems for groups of 350 birds or fewer.

This initiative is particularly timely, as approximately 10 million hens in the UK are currently confined to enriched cages, which offer minimal additional space compared to traditional battery cages – about the size of an A4 sheet of paper per bird.

Critics argue that such conditions severely restrict the birds' ability to express natural behaviours, leading to significant stress and suffering.

David Bowles, head of public affairs at the RSPCA, praised the government's announcement as “an enormous step towards a cage-free future”.

He noted the importance of public engagement during the eight-week consultation period, urging animal welfare advocates to voice their support for the proposed changes.

“Every year, millions of farmed animals are kept in cages, unable to express their natural behaviours and experiencing unimaginable suffering,” Bowles said. “This consultation is a crucial opportunity to push towards a cage-free future.”

Public sentiment strongly favours this initiative, with recent polling indicating that 73% of the British public oppose the use of cages for hens.

This widespread support underscores a significant shift towards more humane farming practices, reflecting changing consumer preferences for ethically sourced food products.

As the consultation progresses, stakeholders – including farmers, animal welfare organisations and the general public – are encouraged to provide feedback on the proposed changes.

The outcome of this initiative could lead to substantial shifts in production practices across the poultry industry, influencing both animal welfare standards and consumer perceptions.