Cages could be banned in Scotland for laying hens

The Scottish Government has launched a consultation on banning cages to house Scotland’s laying hens.

Enriched cages, which give birds more room to nest, roost, and scratch, were brought in to replace the previously used battery or barren cages, banned in 2012.

Now, the government is looking for views on phasing out the use of enriched cages.

The policy proposal aims to improve animal welfare standards in a way that is also sustainable and economically viable for the Scottish egg industry.

In 2020, a survey showed that 88% of the British public considered caging birds cruel, and 77% supported a complete ban on cages.

Over 1.1 million hens were housed in cages in Scotland at the end of February 2024.

Agriculture minister Jim Fairlie said: “As we committed to in our Programme for Government, we want to improve the welfare of laying hens to ensure their confinement does not negatively impact their normal behaviour.

“Significant progress has already been made in recognising the importance of animal welfare – both in government policies and in the public’s demand for it in their shopping choices.

“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.”

Mr Fairlie added: “We’ve seen the European Union put forward legislation to ban using cages for all farmed livestock. Luxembourg and Austria have banned them, and others are phasing them out.

“In the coming weeks, we will also call for evidence on the use of cages in the gamebird and quail egg and meat sectors, ahead of consulting on phasing out cages in those sectors.

“I would encourage everyone interested in this issue to take part in helping us shape how we protect the welfare of laying hens.”

Although gamebirds are not included in this consultation, a call for evidence regarding the use of cages in the Scottish gamebird and quail sectors will be published in the coming months.

Anyone can reply to this consultation, which will run for the next 12 weeks.

You can access and respond at: consult.gov. scot/agriculture-andrural-economy/ consultation-use-of-cagesin-laying-hen-sector

WELFARE: The Scottish Government is seeking views on banning animal cages.