Skip to main content

Written question asked by Mary Kelly Foy (Labour) on Thursday, 9 July 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 13 July 2026. It was answered by Stephen Morgan (Labour) on Thursday, 16 July 2026 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.


Pigs: Animal Housing

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether she can confirm if the forthcoming consultation on phasing out farrowing crates will be based on a transition to free farrowing systems rather than permitting the use of continued temporary crating.

Answer

The recently published animal welfare strategy sets out that ending the use of farrowing crates is a key priority for this Government. We want to work with the industry to help them transition away from the use of farrowing crates to alternative systems: either flexible farrowing where the sow is confined for the crucial few days around farrowing, or free farrowing where there is no confinement during farrowing or lactation.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
17430
Session
2026-27
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Animal housing Pigs
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk