Scotland Plans to Ban Caged Hen Farming 0 8

According to the publication, citing information from the Scottish government, the UK completely banned battery farming of hens in 2012. Since then, improved design cages have been used in the country, allowing birds to exhibit their natural behaviors.

Currently, around 1.1 million hens are kept in cages in Scotland. Surveys show that 88% of the country's population considers this practice cruel, and 77% support a complete ban on the use of cages in poultry farming.

“If the ban is implemented, it will be another confirmation of Scotland's leadership in animal welfare, as the country will be the first in the UK to establish such a practice,” the publication quotes Scottish Agriculture Minister Jim Fairlie. He noted that in the European Union, some countries, such as Luxembourg and Austria, have already imposed a complete ban on caged farming of agricultural birds, while others are gradually transitioning to cage-free farming.

However, the British Egg Industry Council (BEIC) expresses concerns that such a ban could lead to job losses and a decrease in export volumes. BEIC Chief Executive Gary Ford noted that currently the industry is able to meet domestic demand for eggs by offering consumers alternative product options. However, with a complete transition to cage-free farming of laying hens, sellers will be forced to import cheaper eggs from other countries, which will undoubtedly affect the standards of bird welfare.