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Huw Merriman

Member of Parliament for Bexhill and Battle

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Banning the caging of pheasants and partridges

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Pheasant

The Government is committed to the highest standards of animal welfare. The Animal Welfare Act 2006 already makes it clear that gamebirds must not be caused any unnecessary suffering.

A Code of Practice for the Welfare of Gamebirds Reared for Sporting Purposes was drawn up based on research carried out by the Farm Animal Welfare Council, advised by a working group that included animal welfare organisations such as the RSPCA. Stock-keepers who fail to follow it could be found to have committed an offence. The Code specifies that these birds must:

1. have an environment appropriate to their species, age and the purpose for which they are being kept, including adequate heating, lighting, shelter, ventilation and resting areas;

2. have ready access to fresh water and an appropriate diet to maintain growth, health and vigour;

3. be provided with appropriate space and facilities to ensure the avoidance of stress and to allow the exhibition of normal behaviour patterns;

4. be provided with company of their own kind as appropriate for the species concerned; and

5. be adequately protected from pain, suffering, injury, or disease. Should any of these occur a rapid response is required, including diagnosis, remedial action and, where applicable, the correct use of medication.

The full Code can be found at www.gov.uk by searching on the term 'Gamebirds'.

These rules are enforced by the Animal and Plant Health Agency and local authorities, which carry out routine welfare inspections and investigates complaints; prosecutions can be brought where necessary.

Campaign Responses

  • Communities, Local Government and Housing
  • Department for Digital, Culture Media & Sport
  • Education
  • Energy
  • Environment, Food, Rural Affairs, Animal Welfare
    • Bees and Pesticides
    • Agriculture Bill - Animal Welfare Standards May 2020
    • Agriculture Bill Update: May 2020
    • Animal Cruelty Sentencing
    • Animal Welfare
    • Badger cull and bovine tb
    • Banning the caging of pheasants and partridges
    • Beer Duty
    • Brexit and the Environment
    • Caged Farming
    • Campaign by Compassion in World Farming for Honest Food Labelling
    • Climate Change
    • Driven Grouse Shooting
    • Elephant Conservation and Ivory Sales
    • Environment Bill
    • Fur Trade
    • Hen Harriers
    • Horse Tethering
    • Live exports
    • Microbeads
    • Protect our oceans
    • Protection of Lions and Imports of Hunting Trophies
    • Puppy Smuggling
    • Status of animals as sentient beings
    • Supertrawlers
    • Support for Dairy Farmers
  • Equality and Human Rights
  • Europe
  • Foreign & Commonwealth Office
  • Health
  • Home Office
  • International Trade
  • Transport
  • Treasury
  • Work and Pensions

Huw Merriman MP for Bexhill and Battle

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