Dear constituent,

Thank you for contacting me about the use of cages for farmed animals.

I believe all animals deserve protection, whether they are on a farm, at home as a pet, at large in the wild or in the sea. Animals should not suffer unnecessary pain and degradation and we must continue to drive up standards and practice in line with the most recent advances and understanding.

Strengthening our animal welfare laws is one of the Opposition’s top priorities. I have long supported ending the use of cages on farms, while allowing farmers the time to plan and make necessary changes. In my view, these are outdated farming practices that cause animals distress and restrict their natural behaviour.

The Government has said it is exploring options for reforms, including the possibility of phasing out the use of cages on farms. It has added that it would need to consult on this issue. I will follow developments on this matter closely.

More widely, I also supported measures contained within the Animal Welfare (Sentencing) Act which increase maximum sentences for the most severe acts of animal cruelty from six months to five years’ imprisonment. I am pleased that after so much hard work this legislation became law on 29 April 2021. As of 29 June 2021, the maximum penalty is now five years’ imprisonment. This is a good step for animal welfare.

Thank you once again for contacting me about this issue. I know that many people feel strongly about this issue and I can assure you I will continue to call for action to end the use of cages on farms.

 Yours sincerely,

Peter Dowd MP