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Scotland opens consultation on hen cage ban
There are currently more than 1.1 million caged hens in Scotland.

Country could become first in the UK to outlaw the practice.

The Scottish government has launched a consultation on banning the use of cages to house laying hens.

Ministers are seeking to ensure that hens have the freedom to exhibit their normal behaviours and that welfare standards reflect public values. Their preferred option is a ban introduced in instalments between 2030 and 2034.

A survey conducted by YouGov in 2020 found that 77 per cent of the British public supported a complete ban on the use of cages in farming

Battery cages have been illegal in the UK since 2012, but ‘enriched’ cages, which offer more room than battery cages, are still in use. As of February 2024, there were more than 1.1 millions caged hens in Scotland out of a total egg-production population of almost 6 million.

If a complete ban on hen cages in Scotland were introduced, it would be the first in the UK.

In Europe, Luxembourg and Austria have already made it illegal to use cages for hens, and other countries, including Germany and Slovakia, are planning to introduce bans. A planned consultation by the UK government was abandoned last year.

Jim Fairlie, agriculture minister, said: “As we committed to in our Programme for Governments, we want to improve the welfare of laying hens to ensure their confinement does not negatively impact their normal behaviours.

“Significant progress has already been made in recognising the importance of animal welfare – both in government policies and the demand from the public in the choice they make when shopping. If implemented, the ban would be another example of Scotland leading the way in improving the welfare of animals by being the first UK nation to ban the practice.”

The veterinary profession is among the sectors that the Scottish government is keen to hear from.

Mr Fairlie added: “I would encourage everyone with an interest in this issue to take part to help us shape how we protect the welfare of laying hens.”

The consultation is open until 25 June 2024. Responses can be submitted online.

 

Image © Shutterstock

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.