Issues

CAGE FREE FUTURE

Every year across the UK, millions of farmed animals are kept in cages. They're unable to express their natural behaviours and experience unimaginable suffering. These inhumane systems cannot be the future of British farming.

Laying Hens

In the UK, ‘enriched cages’ are still permitted, housing around 10 million egg-laying hens. Enriched cages provide just 9% more usable space per bird than conventional battery cages. They provide a small amount of space per bird, about the size of a single sheet of A4 paper per bird.

Pigs 

It's heartbreaking that about 6 million pigs reared for slaughter are born in farrowing crates each year.

Pig farrowing crates are barred, often barren, metal crates within a pen. Pregnant pigs go in these crates one week before giving birth. In the time spent there, farrowing crates only let pigs to stand up and lie down. They stop pigs from turning around or walking, and can only move forwards or back a small amount.

Over 200,000 pregnant pigs (60%) go in farrowing crates before they give birth. They'll remain there the entire time whilst nursing their piglets. With multiple litters a year, pigs spend 10-15 weeks a year in these crates.

Our Asks for Government 

    The RSPCA is calling for a ban on all cage based or confined farming systems.

    In January 2026, the Government launched a consultation on cages for laying hens, we look forward to seeing the results of the consultation with a view to ban cages for laying hens. 

    We would like to see the Government bring forward a consultation on farrowing crates for pigs. 

Briefings