The Scottish government has become the first UK body to propose a ban on the sale of eggs from caged hens, in a bid to improve the welfare of animals.
A consultation has been launched to consider the measure that would see egg production companies prevented from using “enriched” cages to house laying hens, reported Sky News.
The practice of “enriched cages” has been used to offer more room for the birds to nest, roost, scratch and rest, in comparison to the battery or barren cages that were banned in the UK in 2012.
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However, if approved, the ban on the installation of such cages would be implemented by 2030, while a total ban on enriched cage production would start in 2034.
The consultation is due to run for 12 weeks, until 25 June 2024.
Agriculture minister Jim Fairlie spoke about a recent Holyrood programme which pledged to strive for the “improve[ment] of the welfare of laying hens to ensure their confinement does not negatively impact their normal behaviours”.
He added: “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.
The latest news follows in the wake of retailers making their own measures around cage eggs. In 2022, Tesco manufacturer Bakkavor was praised for ongoing commitment to sourcing cage-free eggs globally.
