(2) whether his Department has instigated any prosecutions of intensive gamebird farms in the last five years; and if he will make a statement;
(3) whether the duty of care under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 will apply to intensively reared gamebirds;
(4) whether he is planning to introduce regulations on intensive rearing of gamebirds;
(5) what regulations apply to the intensive rearing of game birds;
(6) what stocking densities apply to the intensive rearing of game birds; and if he will make a statement.
[holding answer 19 December 2006]: There is no provision for routine inspection of gamebird farms at present.
There have been no prosecutions of intensive gamebird farms by DEFRA in the last five years.
The Animal Welfare Act 2006, which will come into force in April 2007, introduces a duty on people responsible for an animal to take such steps as are reasonable to ensure its welfare. This new power will apply to gamebirds reared for sporting shooting prior to their release, and to gamebirds reared for meat.
We have no plans to introduce regulations for the rearing of gamebirds. We do, however, propose to use powers under the Animal Welfare Act to produce a Code of Practice, which will provide guidance on accommodation and management methods, including aggression reduction. Specifically on the issue of raised laying units, before considering regulation or a ban on the system, I believe that it is important I obtain an independent view on this method of housing gamebirds. To that end, the Farm Animal Welfare Council’s study of the system and its report will be fundamental in informing my decision on their future. As you are aware, I have particular concerns surrounding the use of raised laying units and will not hesitate to take appropriate action if, following the report, I believe that the bird’s welfare is compromised. Any code would be subject to public consultation and endorsement by Parliament.
At present, all animals, including gamebirds reared for sporting purposes, are covered by the Protection of Animals Act 1911. Under this Act it is an offence to ill-treat or cause unnecessary suffering to any captive or domestic animal. In addition, gamebirds reared for slaughter for food would be covered by the Welfare of Farmed Animals Regulations.
There are no specific stocking densities of gamebirds required under present law.