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<p>We have delivered an ambitious legislative programme since the publication of the
Action Plan for Animal Welfare, which will deliver significant improvements for animals
in the UK and abroad. We are firmly committed to maintaining our strong track record
on animal welfare and to delivering continued improvements, both in the course of
this Parliament and beyond.</p><p> </p><p>Mindful of the challenges facing the sector,
we are not consulting on cage reforms. The market is already driving the move away
from using cages for laying hen production. Egg producers and consumers should rightly
have pride in the quality of British eggs, with about 75% coming from free range,
barn and organic production systems. The UK also has a significant outdoor pig sector
with 40% of the national sow breeding herd farrowing freely on outdoor units with
no option for confinement.</p><p> </p><p>We continue to work with the farming industry
to maintain and enhance our high standards of animal welfare. The Animal Health and
Welfare Pathway, part of our domestic agricultural policy, supports farmers to produce
healthier, higher welfare animals. The Government’s welfare priorities for the Pathway
include supporting producers to transition away from confinement systems.</p>
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