LONDON

The UK government said on Monday that it plans to phase out the use of cages for laying hens as part of a sweeping set of animal welfare reforms covering pets, farm animals, and wildlife across England and Wales.

The measures are outlined in a new Animal Welfare Strategy, which the government said aims to close regulatory gaps that have allowed poor practices to persist, while strengthening protections for animals kept in homes, on farms, and in the wild.

Ending the use of cages for hens is among the central proposals, alongside plans to move away from other confinement systems such as pig farrowing (birthing) crates. The strategy also addresses concerns over the use of carbon dioxide to stun pigs, calls for humane slaughter requirements for farmed fish, and promotes the use of slow-growing meat chicken breeds.

The government said the strategy also seeks to tackle puppy farming, a practice in which breeding dogs are often kept in poor conditions and overbred, leading to long-term health problems. The proposals build on existing laws that have already banned puppy smuggling.

New laws are also planned to strengthen protections for farm animals from dog attacks, with tougher penalties and expanded police powers intended to reduce the emotional and financial impact on farming communities.

For companion animals, the strategy proposes reforms to dog breeding practices, a consultation on banning electric shock collars, possible new licensing requirements for rescue and rehoming organizations, and measures to promote responsible dog ownership.

Wildlife proposals include banning trail hunting, banning snare traps, and introducing a closed season for hare hunting.

Environment Secretary Steve Reed said the reforms would represent a major shift in how animals are protected in Britain.

“We’re a nation of animal lovers. This government is delivering the most ambitious animal welfare strategy in a generation. Our strategy will raise welfare standards for animals in the home, on the farm, and in the wild,” he said.

“We’ve already acted to improve zoo standards, end puppy smuggling, and protect livestock from dog attacks. Now we’re planning to ban caged hens, cruel snares, trail hunting, and curb low welfare dog breeding,” he added.