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<p>The Government shares the public’s high regard for animal welfare and the welfare
of our farmed livestock in all systems is protected by comprehensive and robust legislation.
This is backed up by statutory species specific welfare codes, which encourage high
standards of husbandry and which keepers are required by law to have access to and
be familiar with. Defra’s Animal and Plant Health Agency inspectors and local authorities
conduct inspections on farms to check that the animal welfare standards are being
met.</p><p> </p><p>Whatever the system of production, the most important factor in
determining animal welfare is good stockmanship and the correct application of husbandry
standards. This reflects the advice of the Farm Animal Welfare Committee.</p><p> </p><p>We
have already banned cages or close confinement systems where there is clear scientific
evidence that they are detrimental to animal health and welfare. For example, we banned
the use of conventional (‘battery’) cages for laying hens in 2012.</p><p> </p><p>The
new statutory Code of Practice for the Welfare of Laying Hens and Pullets, which came
into force last year, provides improved and up-to-date guidance on welfare legislation
and reflects the latest scientific and veterinary advice. I am aware that all major
supermarkets have said they will stop selling eggs from hens kept in enriched cages
by 2025.</p>
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