UK Announces Sweeping New Animal Welfare Rules

The British government has announced a new strategy to improve the lives of animals in England. The plan targets wildlife, farm animals, and pets. Key promises include banning cages for egg-laying hens and small crates for mother pigs. Officials also want to replace a common pig slaughter method, called carbon dioxide stunning, with a less distressing alternative. For the first time, welfare rules will also cover farmed fish during slaughter. The plan also introduces new protections for wild hares. The launch comes at a critical time. Over 8 million turkeys are slaughtered for Christmas each year. Winter also sees a peak in pets being abandoned. Animal charities report high numbers of dogs and cats being dumped, a problem made worse by high living costs.