On Wednesday 22 September, Sir David Amess supported his colleague, and fellow Conservative Animal Welfare Foundation patron, Henry Smith MP with his Bill on ending cages for laying hens.

The Hen Caging (Prohibition) Bill, also known as Beatrice’s Bill, aims to improve welfare standards for hens by giving them more space to live naturally and nest and forage as they should.

All major retailers have committed to going cage free by at least 2025 and this Bill will shape public opinion on improving animal rights and increase consumer confidence by lowering food safety risk.

Sir David introduced his own Ten-Minute Rule Bill, the Pug Husbandry (Farrowing) Bill, in March this year aiming to end farrowing crates for sows. The Government’s Action Plan for Animal Welfare specifically referenced farrowing crates and said it would examine their use in farming.

Sir David said “I am pleased that many of my colleagues have a passionate interest in animal welfare and I am delighted to support Henry Smith with his important Bill. I hope that these sentient animals are treated much better and that public opinion on cages for hens changes. We must get rid of them urgently and advance our animal welfare standards legally”.