The UK has suspended the introduction of new standards for laying hens.

New standards were scheduled to come into effect in the UK in May 2024. The most significant changes were planned for the requirements for laying hens' houses. Under the new standard, they would have to be refurbished to ensure the birds have constant access to natural daylight. To achieve this, production facilities would have to provide special covered, but uninsulated, verandas adjacent to the outside of the houses.

RSPCA experts believe this measure will significantly improve bird welfare by reducing chest injuries and pecking. However, poultry farmers have reportedly reacted negatively to these changes.

In response to negative feedback from industry representatives, the RSPCA agreed to defer the introduction of the standards until 1 August 2024. "We recognise the need for sustained dialogue between our organisation and the industry so that we can provide them with additional support and assistance in achieving compliance with these challenging standards," the publication quotes RSPCA Acting Director Kelly Grellier as saying.

At the request of poultry farmers, the final deadline for the implementation of systems that provide birds with access to natural daylight will be postponed by one year, to January 1, 2031. In addition, the requirement to construct verandas will not apply to new or recently converted free-range systems.