88% of UK public think cages are cruel, new poll reveals

Published 08/12/2020

A new poll carried out by Compassion in World Farming and YouGov has found that 88% of the British public believe using cages in farming is cruel to farm animals. The survey, which was commissioned by Compassion in World Farming, Animal Equality, Four Paws, Humane Society International – Europe, WeMove Europe and World Animal Protection Netherland, also found that 77% support a complete ban on the use of cages in farming. These results show that people are aware of the fundamental cruelty of cages and support the phasing out of this outdated practice.

Cages confine and restrict animals’ movements and prevent them from carrying out natural behaviours. Yet, recent data analysis from Compassion found, just 63% of UK laying hens, sows and quails are reared in cage-free conditions.

“Over 16 million hens are caged, while a quarter of a million UK mother pigs are forced to give birth in farrowing crates and raise their piglets through bars,” says Natasha Smith, Senior Campaigns Manager for Compassion in World Farming UK. “This poll makes it clear that UK citizens believe this is unacceptable. The support is there – now the Government must take action to take action to reflect public opinion and get farm animals out of cages.”

EU citizens are in agreement: the End the Cage Age European Citizens’ Initiative (ECI), which was handed in to the European Commission in October, gained almost 1.4 million signatures from individuals calling for an end to the use of cages for farm animals.

For more information please email media.team@ciwf.org or call 01483 521 615.