The UK government has officially opened an eight-week public consultation proposing to phase out the use of enriched colony cages for laying hens, pullets and breeder layers, with a complete ban on existing systems by 2032. Under the plans, new enriched cages could not be installed after 2027 and remaining cages would be phased out under amendments to existing welfare laws. The consultation seeks stakeholder views on animal welfare impacts and effects on the poultry sector. Defra said the proposals aim to improve the welfare of hens by restricting systems that prevent birds from carrying out natural behaviours. However, the…