Cage reform: proposed ban on keeping laying hens, pullets and breeder layers in cages (Diwygio cewyll: gwaharddiad arfaethedig ar gadw ieir dodwy, cywennod ac ieir bridio mewn cewyll)

In 1999, conventional ‘battery’ cages for laying hens (for keepers with 350 or more birds) were banned throughout the European Union, including in the UK, but with a 12-year transition period to 1 January 2012 before the ban came into full effect. Due to the small size and barren environment, conventional ‘battery’ cages severely compromised the welfare of laying hens. However, this ban only targeted commercial scale producers and so keepers with fewer than 350 laying hens were excluded. Whilst enriched ‘colony’ cages are an improvement on conventional ‘battery’ cages, they still do not fully provide for the physical and behavioural needs of laying hens. The enriched ‘colony’ cage system restricts choice, preventing access to the ground and other levels, and limiting the ability to run, flap wings, dustbathe or forage. Breeder layers and pullets are not currently within sco