Government Consults on Stronger Hen and Lamb Welfare Standards
New UK Plans Announced to Improve Welfare for Laying Hens and Lambs
The UK government has set out new proposals to improve animal welfare standards for laying hens and lambs, opening an eight-week consultation on changes that would affect poultry and sheep producers across the country.
Under the plans, published by the UK Government through Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra), all colony cage systems for laying hens would be phased out by 2032. The move has received backing from major retailers and strong public support, reflecting a continued shift towards cage-free egg production.
For lambs, the proposals focus on reducing pain from routine husbandry procedures, including tighter controls on castration and tail docking. Measures include wider use of pain relief and encouragement of alternative methods where possible.
The proposals form part of the government’s wider Animal Welfare Strategy, with Defra seeking views from farmers, processors, retailers and stakeholders before final decisions are made.
Source: UK Government / Defra | 12 January 2026
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