The UK Government will today publish its Animal Welfare Strategy, setting out new plans to protect cherished pets and much-loved wildlife across the country.
Laws, regulations and current animal welfare practices need to be reformed as they have not kept up with the latest evidence and have led to instances of individuals exploiting loopholes.
The Animal Welfare Strategy announced today by the Environment Secretary will help solve this problem and deliver the most ambitious welfare reform in a generation.
Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds said: ‘We are a nation of animal lovers and this Government is launching the most ambitious animal welfare strategy in a generation.
“We have already taken action to improve zoo standards, end puppy smuggling and protect livestock from dog attacks. Now we plan to ban caged chickens, cruel trapping and trail hunting, and curb the breeding of low-welfare dogs.”
New law to prevent inhumane dog breeding
These generational animal welfare reforms will end the cruel practices of puppy farming, where breeding dogs are kept in poor conditions, often overbred, and denied proper care.
These inhumane practices often result in puppies suffering from long-term health problems.
This strategy builds on new legislation to end puppy smuggling and further strengthens protection for dogs and wildlife.
Further enhance the welfare of companion animals by:
Consulting on banning the use of shock collars due to potential harm to pets Considering introducing new licenses for home rescue and rehoming organizations to ensure appropriate checks are carried out on rescuers Promoting responsible dog ownership to protect public safety
Sonul Badiani Hamment, FOUR PAWS UK Country Director, commented:
“By ending the use of confinement systems in agriculture, banning trail hunting and tackling the scourge of puppy farming, the Government can significantly reduce animal suffering in the UK. The priority now must be swift action to deliver on these commitments to animals.”
Farms will receive stronger protection
Livestock in England and Wales will be better protected from dog attacks thanks to new livestock concerns legislation.
Tougher penalties and increased police powers can help reduce the psychological and economic burden these attacks place on rural communities.
Animal welfare strategies further support improving livestock welfare by:
Moving away from confinement systems such as the use of colony cages for laying hens and farrowing boxes for pigs Addressing welfare issues arising from the use of carbon dioxide to stunning pigs due to animal welfare concerns Introducing humane slaughter requirements for farmed fish to avoid avoidable suffering Promoting the use of slower growing meat chicken breeds
“Compassion in World Farming UK welcomes the UK Government’s new Animal Welfare Strategy as a landmark step forward in livestock protection across the UK,” said Anthony Field, Head of Compassion at World Farming UK.
“By committing to phase out cages for laying hens and farrowing boxes for pigs, more than 7 million chickens and 150,000 pigs will benefit each year.”
The UK’s major commitment to improving animal welfare
The Animal Welfare Strategy builds on the Government’s track record of delivering change for animals.
This includes introducing world-leading new standards for zoos earlier this year and supporting the passage of the Animal Welfare (Importation of Dogs, Cats and Ferrets) Act 2025 and the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) Act 2025.
The government will now work with stakeholders to announce a strategy by the end of 2030.
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