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Scotland opens consultation on hen cage ban
There are currently more than 1.1 million caged hens in Scotland.

Country could become first in the UK to outlaw the practice.

The Scottish government has launched a consultation on banning the use of cages to house laying hens.

Ministers are seeking to ensure that hens have the freedom to exhibit their normal behaviours and that welfare standards reflect public values. Their preferred option is a ban introduced in instalments between 2030 and 2034.

A survey conducted by YouGov in 2020 found that 77 per cent of the British public supported a complete ban on the use of cages in farming

Battery cages have been illegal in the UK since 2012, but ‘enriched’ cages, which offer more room than battery cages, are still in use. As of February 2024, there were more than 1.1 millions caged hens in Scotland out of a total egg-production population of almost 6 million.

If a complete ban on hen cages in Scotland were introduced, it would be the first in the UK.

In Europe, Luxembourg and Austria have already made it illegal to use cages for hens, and other countries, including Germany and Slovakia, are planning to introduce bans. A planned consultation by the UK government was abandoned last year.

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

“Significant progress has already been made in recognising the importance of animal welfare – both in government policies and the demand from the public in the choice they make when shopping. 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.”

The veterinary profession is among the sectors that the Scottish government is keen to hear from.

Mr Fairlie added: “I would encourage everyone with an interest in this issue to take part to help us shape how we protect the welfare of laying hens.”

The consultation is open until 25 June 2024. Responses can be submitted online.

 

Image © Shutterstock

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Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here. 

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News Shorts
Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.