The UK's Farm Animal Welfare Council (FAWC) has issued two Opinions; one covering beak trimming of laying hens and the other, enriched cages for laying hens. Such ‘Opinions’ are a recent edition to the FAWC's methods for advising the Government about areas of animal welfare concern and their aim is to address specific issues in a shorter format and timeframe than traditional FAWC reports. Each Opinion provides a ‘background’ to the chosen focus followed by an ‘evidence’ and then ‘critical issue’ section. A cost/benefit ethical analysis is also included and finally an opinion, detailing the FAWC's advice and recommendations to the Government.