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Government Announces Biggest Animal Welfare Reforms In A Generation
6 days ago 
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The government will today (22 December) launch its Animal Welfare Strategy, setting out new plans to protect treasured pets and much-loved wildlife across the country.
These generational reforms will end the cruel practice of puppy farming, where breeding dogs are kept in appalling conditions, often overbred, and denied proper care. These inhumane practices often result in puppies suffering from long-term health issues.
The Strategy further enhances protections for dogs and wildlife, building on new laws that put an end to puppy smuggling.
Farm animals in England and Wales will be better protected from dog attacks thanks to new Livestock Worrying laws. Tougher penalties and greater police powers will help relieve the emotional and financial strain these attacks place on farming communities.
Legislation, regulations and current practices need to be reformed as they have not kept pace with the latest evidence, and there have been instances of individuals taking advantage of loopholes.
The Animal Welfare Strategy, launched today by the Environment Secretary, will help fix this and deliver the most ambitious welfare reforms in a generation – in line with our manifesto promise.
Launching the strategy, the Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds said:
“We're a nation of animal lovers. This government is delivering the most ambitious animal welfare strategy in a generation.
"Visiting Battersea Dogs and Cats Home reminded me that millions of families welcome pets into their homes every year. Our strategy will raise welfare standards for animals in the home, on the farm and in the wild.
"We've already acted to improve zoo standards, end puppy smuggling and protect livestock from dog attacks. Now, we're planning to ban caged hens, cruel snares, trail hunting, and curb low welfare dog breeding."
The Animal Welfare Strategy sets out how the government will deliver:
Improved welfare for companion animals by:
- Reforming dog breeding practices to improve health and welfare, preventing animals from becoming unwell and ending puppy farming
- Consulting on a ban on the use of electric shock collars due to the possible harm to our pets
- Considering the introduction of new licences for domestic rescue and rehoming organisations to ensure rescues have the right checks in place
- Promoting responsible dog ownership to protect public safety
Improved welfare for farmed animals by:
- Moving away from confinement systems such as colony cages for laying hens and the use of pig farrowing crates
- Addressing the welfare issues that arise from the use of carbon dioxide to stun pigs because of animal welfare concerns
- Introducing humane slaughter requirements for farmed fish to spare them avoidable pain
- Promoting the use of slow growing meat chicken breeds
Protection for wild animals by:
- Banning trail hunting amidst concerns it is being used as a smokescreen for hunting
- Banning snare traps because they cause suffering to animals and can catch pets
- Introducing a close season for hares which should reduce the number of adult hares being shot in the breeding season, meaning that fewer young hares are left motherless and vulnerable to starvation and predation
Thomas Schultz-Jagow, Director of Advocacy and Prevention at RSPCA, said:
“The government’s new Animal Welfare Strategy is a significant step forward which has the potential to improve the lives of millions of animals. People in the UK love animals and they want to see governments leading the way to outlaw cruel practices which cause suffering such as a phase out of cages for laying hens and farrowing crates for pigs.
“As we need a radical rethink about the way we see and treat animals in this country, this strategy leads the way by showing a strong commitment to animal welfare. We look forward to continuing to work with the government to give all animals the protection they deserve."
The Animal Welfare Strategy builds on this government’s proven track record in delivering reforms for animals. This includes introducing new, world-leading standards for zoos earlier this year and supporting passage of the Animal Welfare (Import of Dogs, Cats and Ferrets) Act 2025 and the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) Act.
The government will work with interested parties to deliver the strategy by the end of 2030.
The Animal Welfare Strategy will be published on Monday 22 December.
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