Defra is seeking to address and remove the existing discrepancy between the Assimilated Regulation 1/2005 and the GB statutory guidance, and are proposing to amend Regulation 1/2005 to:
- permit chickens to be caught by two legs
- explicitly disallow catching by one-leg
The main aims of the proposed change will provide the British egg and meat chicken sectors and the catching companies with clarity on the legal requirements that apply to poultry catching operations.
They will also ensure that chickens can continue to be transported between housing units and delivered for processing in an efficient and timely manner, without lowering welfare standards in practice.
This consultation applies to England, Scotland and Wales.
Have your say
Poultry producers are encouraged to respond directly to the consultation to share their individual experiences. Visit: GOV.UK | Poultry catching and handling consultation. The consultation is open until 2 May.
The NFU will also be responding and is surveying member on 3 short questions, to help formulate our response. This survey will close on 27 April.