The Scottish Government has announced plans to phase out cage farming for laying hens by 2034, aiming to completely ban the practice. Currently, approximately 1.1 million caged chickens in Scotland are set to benefit from this initiative, aligning with the will of the majority of the population who view the practice as cruel. This move positions Scotland as a leader in animal welfare, joining the ranks of countries like Luxembourg and Austria that have already implemented similar bans. However, the British Egg Industry Council warns of potential job losses and a hit to exports, as the industry may need to import cheaper eggs to maintain domestic demand, raising concerns about the impact on welfare standards.