Thank you for contacting me about the use of cages for farm animals.
I would like to assure you that my ministerial colleagues and I take the welfare of all animals seriously. Since publishing the Action Plan for Animal Welfare, the Government has delivered an ambitious legislative programme, bringing significant improvements for animals both in the UK and abroad. Ministers are firmly committed to maintaining the UK’s strong track record on animal welfare and to delivering continued improvements, both in the course of this Parliament and beyond.
I am informed that the market is already driving the move away from using cages for laying hen production, with over 60 per cent of eggs coming from free range production. Regarding pigs, the UK also has a significant outdoor pig sector, with 40 per cent of the national sow breeding herd farrow freely on outdoor pig units with no option of confinement.
I am assured that the Government will continue to work with the sector to maintain and enhance high standards of welfare. For example, the Animal Health and Welfare Pathway will prioritise areas for additional improvement in the health and welfare for pigs, cattle, sheep and poultry. I know that one of the Government’s priorities for the pathway includes supporting producers to transition away from confinement systems.
On the island, I am keen to explore the option of an abattoir to further support our farmers. I have spoken with Ministers about this, further information is available here:
https://www.bobseely.org.uk/news/bob-seely-discusses-iw-abattoir-farming-minister
I was also pleased to support the recent campaign for a ‘Buy British’ section on supermarkets’ online stores, please visit the following link for further details:
If you have specific concerns about the welfare of an animal, I recommend reporting it to the police or the RSPCA.
Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.