England Bans Hen Cages and Pig Crates for Animal Welfare

Published: 22 December 2025. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online.

England is preparing to phase out caged hens and pig farrowing crates under new animal welfare laws. The government announced this historic change, aiming to improve the lives of millions of farmed animals across the country. Hen cages and farrowing crates have long been criticised by campaigners for confining animals in cruel conditions, restricting natural movement, and preventing normal behaviours that are essential for their wellbeing.

While conventional battery cages were banned in 2012, a loophole allowed the use of “colony cages,” which keep hens in groups of up to 90 birds. These cages include perching spots, scratch mats, and nest boxes, yet still confine birds to spaces roughly the size of an A4 sheet of paper. Campaigners argue that this minimal area prevents chickens from dust bathing, pecking, scratching, perching naturally, or flying short distances, which are critical for their welfare.

The new government strategy will see these enriched colony cages gradually phased out, transitioning toward non-cage systems by next year. Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds confirmed her department will initiate a consultation to implement this transition effectively. This consultation aims to ensure that farms and producers have adequate guidance and timelines for compliance, balancing animal welfare needs with practical considerations for the agricultural sector.

Anthony Field, head of Compassion in World Farming UK, hailed the announcement as a “landmark step forward in protecting farmed animals across Britain.” He emphasised that over seven million hens and 150,000 pigs are expected to benefit annually from these reforms, marking one of the largest animal welfare improvements in decades.

Pig farrowing crates, which prevent sows from turning over to protect their piglets, are also set to be banned. Critics describe these crates as profoundly restrictive, limiting movement entirely for sows throughout the farrowing period. By outlawing these devices, the government intends to promote alternative housing systems that allow pigs to express natural behaviours, including nesting, turning freely, and interacting with their offspring in a more natural environment.

The legislation does not stop with farmed animals. Measures will also address companion animals and wildlife. A ban on puppy farming, which involves mass breeding of dogs in unhygienic and cramped conditions, will be enforced. Additionally, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) will consult on restricting electric shock collars for dogs, aiming to eliminate unnecessary pain and improve domestic animal welfare standards.

Wild animals will also receive new protections under this initiative. The Guardian reported that hare shooting will be banned during their breeding season, while trail hunting practices will be phased out. DEFRA is also consulting on a ban for snare traps, which are widely criticised for causing undue suffering and often ensnaring pets. These steps are intended to create a more humane approach to wildlife management across England.

The reforms extend to aquatic animals as well, with mandatory humane slaughter methods for farmed fish to prevent avoidable suffering. Reynolds stated that the new welfare strategy represents “the most ambitious animal welfare programme in a generation,” covering animals at home, on farms, and in the wild. She added that the government has already taken measures to improve zoo standards, end puppy smuggling, and protect livestock from dog attacks, and this strategy further consolidates those efforts.

Animal welfare advocates see the changes as transformative. Field highlighted that the shift from caged to non-cage systems will likely spark a broader rethink of intensive farming practices across the UK. This could potentially influence international standards, as Britain often sets precedent in progressive animal welfare legislation. By introducing these reforms, the government signals a commitment to ethical treatment and sustainability, aligning consumer expectations with legal protections for animals.

Some farmers have expressed concerns about implementation costs and logistical challenges in transitioning to cage-free systems. However, industry experts note that such changes are increasingly viable due to technological advancements and evolving farming practices. By adopting welfare-friendly housing systems, producers can maintain productivity while meeting growing consumer demand for ethically sourced products.

The government has also emphasised the importance of public engagement in shaping these reforms. Consultations and industry discussions will ensure that regulations are practical, enforceable, and considerate of farm operations of varying scales. The goal is to achieve meaningful welfare improvements without compromising the economic stability of farms, allowing for a sustainable transition that benefits both animals and producers.

As these laws come into effect, they mark a significant cultural shift in how England perceives and protects farmed and domestic animals. By addressing decades-old welfare concerns, the government is setting a benchmark for humane treatment while encouraging ethical practices across the agricultural and domestic animal sectors. This landmark strategy reflects an increasing societal commitment to compassion, responsibility, and animal wellbeing, signalling a new era of ethical governance in Britain.