The UK government announced a new consultation aiming to phase out the use of cages for egg-laying hens by 2032. This decision follows the publication of a draft Animal Welfare Strategy for England, which includes the goal of eliminating all "confinement systems" for farmed animals. Colony cage systems, currently used for over 20 percent of egg production, would need to be scrapped under the proposed strategy.

In addition to the consultation on caged hens, the government also launched another consultation on Sheep Welfare Code updates to minimize pain during procedures like castration and tail docking. Animal welfare organizations have praised these developments as positive steps towards improved standards and the cessation of animal suffering in the UK.