A number of constituents have contacted me about the use of cages for farm animals. I appreciate your concern for animal welfare, which is an issue I take seriously, and I am grateful for your commitment to improving the lives of animals in our farming systems.
The UK has long been recognized as a leader in animal welfare, reflected in our top ranking among G7 nations on World Animal Protection’s Animal Protection Index. We have made significant strides in recent years, including passing the Animal Welfare (Sentience) Act, which acknowledges the sentience of vertebrates and some invertebrates, and the Animal Welfare (Sentencing) Act, which has introduced tougher penalties for animal cruelty.
I fully appreciate the desire to see further reforms, and I agree that we should always strive to improve. However, given the recent challenges faced by various sectors, I believe it is important to approach changes thoughtfully and at the right time. Encouragingly, the market is already driving progress, with over 60 percent of eggs now coming from free-range production and a significant portion of the pig sector embracing outdoor, cage-free environments.
My constituents should rest assured that I am committed to promoting higher standards of welfare across the board. If you have specific concerns about animal welfare, I would encourage you to report them to the relevant authorities, such as the police or the RSPCA, so that appropriate action can be taken. I will continue to monitor developments closely and advocate for ongoing improvements in animal welfare.
