Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Farrowing Crates and Cages

Thursday 13 November 2025 · 2 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Animal Equality estimates that around 200,000 sows in the UK spend nearly a quarter of their adult life in farrowing crates.
  • Fifty percent of the national sow breeding herd live freely and are not kept in cage systems.
  • The Department is considering financial support for farmers to move towards more sustainable and higher animal welfare standards.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Adrian Ramsay Green Waveney Valley
Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

Animal Equality estimates that around 200,000 sows in the UK spend nearly a quarter of their adult life confined in farrowing crates. Additionally, research suggests that two-thirds of the public oppose their use.

Question

I thank the Minister for her answer. Animal Equality estimates that around 200,000 sows in the UK spend nearly a quarter of their adult life confined in farrowing crates, which are metal barred cages that severely restrict their movement—they cannot even turn around. Some 75% of vets are concerned and research suggests that two thirds of the public oppose their use. When it comes to the animal welfare strategy, will the Minister commit to phasing out the use of all farrowing crates and the equally cruel cages for birds, and what practical steps will be put in place to support farmers with the transition?

Answer from The Minister for Food Security and Rural Affairs (Dame Angela Eagle)

It is important to remember that 50% of the national sow breeding herd live freely and are not kept in these kinds of cage systems at all, which I think shows the way forward. It is very important that we work with the industry to see how we can move away from the use of farrowing crates and create more flexible alternatives that are available to be introduced in a practical and pragmatic way.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Minister did not commit to phasing out the use of all farrowing crates and cages for birds.

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Q2 Terry Jermy Lab South West Norfolk
Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

Farmers are often the best conservationists and many wish to do more to support both environmental and animal welfare issues, but financial sustainability is a key concern.

Question

So often, farmers are the best conservationists. Many want to do even more to support the environment and animal welfare, but profitability and sustainability are key. Will the Minister confirm whether the Department will consider financial support for farmers to move towards more sustainable and strong animal welfare standards?

Answer from The Minister for Food Security and Rural Affairs (Dame Angela Eagle)

We are always ready to consider how we can bring about the policies that will be set out in the animal welfare strategy when we publish it. We are pragmatic about how we can shift from outdated systems and modernise, and we are proud that we have some of the highest standards of animal welfare in the world.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Minister did not confirm whether financial support would be provided to farmers for sustainable transitions.

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