Summary of Consultations
Background
As part of its animal welfare strategy, Defra has joined with the devolved governments to consult on two specific changes in animal husbandry. These issues are devolved, so jointly consulting should lead to UK wide adoption. The two issues are caged hens and lamb castration and tail docking.
I’ve provided a quick summary before but you can read the full hens consultation here and the lamb castration one here
As these are technical farming changes we wont be commenting in detail on the proposals, however, we would like to respond in principle on the key changes and timescales based on discussions with your supply chains. If you do have any comments please send them by 2 March 2026.
Caged Hens
Enriched colony cages housing multiple birds housing multiple birds have been used as a more intensive production system for hens following the ban on battery hen cages. The Government believes, whilst an improvement on battery hen cages they are not to ensure high enough welfare conditions for the birds. The proposal is to ban their use, the consultation considers how quickly the ban should be introduced, taking into account the balance between improving animal welfare and the transition period for farmers. The proposals are
· Option 1 – Ban from 2027 of new caged systems, leading to a total ban of all caged systems in 2032. This is the Government’s preferred option
· Option 2 – 2027 ban on new caged systems, with a total ban in 2037
· Option 3 – 2030 ban on new caged systems, with a total ban in 2034
· Option 4 – 2030 ban on all caged systems
Lamb Castration and Tail Docking
The Government recognises there are justifiable animal husbandry reasons for castration and tail docking. However, they are conscious current allowable methods can cause pain and stress to animals. The consultation covers 3 issues; methods of carrying out these procedures, which draw on changes already implemented in Scotland, the requirement for pain relief and who can administer the treatments.
For surgical castration and tail docking using a knife or blade the proposal is that can only be carried out by a vet with an effective anaesthetic and analgesic. Using a rubber ring would be permitted for lambs up to 3 months by a farmer with an effective anaesthetic and analgesic. Using a clamp would be permitted on lambs up to 3 months by a farmer with an effective anaesthetic and analgesic. Combined method castration and tail docking would be permitted on lambs up to 3 months by a farmer with an effective anaesthetic and analgesic. Using a clip method, which is less painful than other methods, would follow the legislation in Scotland to allow a farmer to administer it on lambs up to 3 months, with an appropriate clip size for the lamb and without pain relief. Finally, using hot irons would be permitted for lambs up to 3 months by a farmer with an effective anaesthetic and analgesic.
The consultation proposes none of the treatments can be used before the lambs are a day old. It also proposes farmers and stockmen must have had appropriate training before being permitted to carry out any of the permitted methods.
