The UK Labour government is currently consulting on banning caged egg production, and this represents an exceptional opportunity for impact that requires minimal time investment.
Why This Matters
According to Our World in Data, caged hens can experience hundreds of days more suffering during their productive lives compared to hens in caged-free aviaries.
A ban on caged housing in the UK would prevent this suffering for millions of sentient beings annually. The UK currently has approximately 10 million laying hens still in cages.
As outlined in the Our World in Data article, caged housing prevents hens from performing deeply motivated natural behaviours like wing-spreading, dust-bathing, perching, and nesting privately. It also causes serious physical health problems including bone weakness and foot injuries.
If successful this policy would have the UK joining Austria, Denmark and Germany in banning caged egg production. This could potentially inspire further countries to make this leap to higher welfare standards for one of the most mistreated species on this planet.
How You Can Help (10 Minutes)
If you are a UK resident/citizen you can fill in the consultation:
https://consult.defra.gov.uk/on-farm-animal-welfare-future-farming-policy/laying-hen-cage-reform/
The Humane League UK has created a comprehensive guide for filling in the consultation response: https://actnow.thehumaneleague.org.uk/page/184522/-/2
The consultation is open until the 9th of March 2026, and individual responses carry significant weight in policy decisions of this nature
Multiply Your Impact
Please share this opportunity with friends, family, and any communities who may be interested—including animal welfare groups, your local EA chapter, university societies, and social networks. Each additional response increases the likelihood of a positive outcome for millions of animals.
This is a rare case where a small time investment can contribute to systemic change with enormous welfare implications.
Thank you for your time and attention!