The proportion of eggs produced by caged hens in the UK has fallen to a record low, prompting renewed calls for the government to introduce a nationwide ban.
New figures show that just 14% of UK eggs came from caged hens in the last quarter, marking the lowest level on record and a significant decline from around 50% a decade ago.
Animal welfare charity The Humane League UK welcomed the progress but warned that momentum could stall without legislation, particularly as parts of the industry push back against a proposed ban.
“Cages inflict misery on hens, and the public is eager to see them banned. Imagine wire walls, hemming you in from all sides; constant commotion, the frustration of other birds, ammonia stinging your eyes,” said The Humane League head of programs Cordelia Britton.
“These new numbers suggest that for cages, the undertakers have been hired and the grave dug. Now all the Government needs to do is nail the coffin lid shut. They hold the key that can free hens for good.”
The government has previously indicated it is considering outlawing cages as part of its wider animal welfare strategy, a move campaigners say could free around six million hens.
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Polling suggests strong public backing for reform, with 94% of UK consumers opposing the use of cages for laying hens.
Campaigners argue that while major supermarkets including Aldi, Co-op, Sainsbury’s, Morrisons, M&S and Waitrose have already transitioned to cage-free shell eggs, smaller retailers and parts of the foodservice sector continue to rely on caged systems.
They also point to existing government grants of up to £500,000 to help farmers transition to cage-free production, challenging claims that a ban would be impractical.
The UK would join countries including Germany, Denmark, the Czech Republic and parts of the United States, such as California, which have already implemented bans or are moving toward them.
Earlier this week, The Humane League stormed a Farmfoods-sponsored sports event, in protest of the supermarket’s refusal to commit to axing of caged eggs.
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