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Written question asked by Baroness Hodgson of Abinger (Conservative) on Monday, 13 July 2026, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Monday, 27 July 2026. It was answered by Baroness Hayman of Ullock (Labour) on Monday, 20 July 2026 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.


Poultry: Animal Welfare

Question

To ask His Majesty's Government when they plan to enforce the commitment made in the Animal welfare strategy for England, published on 22 December 2025, to end the culling of male chicks in the egg industry.

Answer

As set out in the Animal Welfare Strategy, this Government would like to see an end to the practice of culling male chicks. The Government is monitoring the rapid progress currently being made with in-ovo sexing and has funded research into the use of dual breed chickens that remove the need to kill male chicks.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL1987
Session
2026-27
Subjects
Animal welfare Enforcement Industry Eggs Poultry
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk