Matthew Chalmers
A joint letter calls on the Government to launch a consultation on cages for laying hens.
Today, 12th May 2022, marks one year since the Government published its Action Plan for Animal Welfare.
In that plan the Government committed to “examining the use of cages for laying hens”.
One year later, barely anything has happened - the Government has provided no dates and announced nothing that helps the millions of hens suffering in silence.
Together with fellow animal protection organisations, MPs, and celebrities, we are demanding that the Government launch a consultation on banning cages for hens immediately.
Key celebrity supporters Lucy Watson and James Dunmore, actor Peter Egan, broadcaster Kirsty Gallacher and veterinarian Marc Abraham OBE have also added their names to the letter.
They are joined by MPs including Henry Smith, who tabled a bill to ban cages in September 2021, and former Green Party leader Caroline Lucas.
Boris Johnson recently dropped plans to ban the sale of fur and foie gras from the Queen’s speech after pressure from ministers including Jacob Rees-Mogg and Mark Spencer.
The letter is part of Beatrice’s Campaign, which seeks to ban cages for laying hens.
Cages are nightmarish environments for hens, limiting their movement and frustrating their ability to perform innate behaviours.
The Government must act now and ban this cruel practice once and for all.
