BASC welcomes Defra decision on laying cages for gamebirds (From Smallholder)

BASC welcomes Defra decision on laying cages for gamebirds

8:30am Tuesday 16th March 2010 in

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BASC has welcomed the Government’s decision to specify minimum space, already observed by almost all English game farms, for gamebird laying stock within the proposed game farming code of practice for England. The decision supports traditional game farming and the continuation of game shooting with its contribution to the environmental and economic well-being of the countryside.

The code of practice has now been laid before parliament. The code should ensure high standards of welfare in game farming. This would include not placing birds in very small spaces, a practice currently followed by only a few game farms in England, and enrichment of the environment for laying birds.

Traditional pheasant laying pens, partridge pair boxes or raised cages can continue to be used if they provide at least the specified minimum spaces per bird. Any new or existing system which does not conform should not be used after the code comes into effect. This is scheduled for October 2010.

BASC Director of Communications, Christopher Graffius, said: “The Government and particularly Defra ministers are to be congratulated on reaching a decision which ensures the future of game shooting and high standards of animal welfare. “ “The issue of cages has been controversial. BASC welcomes the fact that the worst fears of some – such as an end to all partridge production and the potential end of all game shooting in the UK – will not be realised. We hope that all shooting interests will continue to co-operate to ensure the highest standards within shooting and game rearing.”