Gamebirds welfare code proposed for Wales

22 January 2010

What’s it all about?

The Welsh Assembly Government has launched a consultation on a draft Code of Practice on the Welfare of Gamebirds Reared for Sporting Purposes.  The consultation ends on 16 April 2010.  The code includes a request for views on the use of spectacles and bits and on three options for recommendations on the use of cages for pheasants and partridges.

Click here to view the Welsh gamebirds welfare code consultation

Options on the use of cages

There are three options presented for Paragraph 6.11 in the draft code, on the housing of breeding pheasants and partridges:
(a) that cages can continue to be used;
(b) that barren cages are not used (allowing the use of enriched cages); or
(c) that all cages should not be used

What is BASC’s position on the consultation?

BASC is currently reviewing the consultation, but BASC’s position on the use of battery cages for pheasants, and on the use of spectacles and bits, will be consistent with our position on a draft gamebirds welfare code for England. We are also considering the recently announced consultation on a gamebirds welfare code for Scotland.

Click here to see BASC’s position on a draft gamebirds welfare code in England

Click here to see BASC's briefing on a proposed gamebirds welfare code in Scotland

Full list of questions in the Welsh consultation

Q1. Do you agree that a code of practice is the most appropriate option or do you consider that game farms should be regulated?; if so, who should regulate them?

Q2. Do you think that a code reflecting the gamebird rearing season is the most sensible approach?

Q3. Is it clear and easily understandable? 

Q4. Or do you think it should be set out in the alternative format with sections relating to each of the animal’s five needs?

Q5.  Is it useful to have an Annex containing information on other legislation affecting gamebirds?

Q6. Are there any additional recommendations that should be in the code?

Q7. Do you consider that cages can provide adequately for the welfare needs of breeding pheasants? Or do you consider that barren cages should not be used for the housing of breeding pheasants?  Or do you consider that all cages for breeding pheasants should not be used? 

Q8. Do you consider that cages can provide adequately for the welfare needs of breeding partridges? Or do you consider that barren cages should not be used for the housing of breeding partridges? Or do you consider that all cages for breeding partridges should not be used?
 
Q9. Do you consider that having a standard definition for a cage is necessary for a clear understanding by keepers if cages are to be restricted or banned? If so would the EFSA definition be a suitable approach?

Q10. Do you consider that setting space allowances for breeding pheasants and partridges would address the concern?

Q11. What would be the space allowance for an adult pheasant and what is the evidence that this is appropriate?

Q12. What would be the space allowance for an adult partridge and what is the evidence that this is appropriate?

Q13. Do you agree that spectacles should not be used? Or do you consider that spectacles have welfare benefits provided they are used appropriately?

Q14. Do you agree that the use of bits for younger pheasants should continue when justified, monitored and fitted on an enterprise-by-enterprise basis as described above?

Q15. Do you agree that bumpa bits should only be used in exceptional circumstances?

Q16. How many producers, to your knowledge house pheasants in cage systems in Wales? 

Q17. Pheasant keepers currently using cage systems are estimated to have approximately 1,000 cages on average. Is this estimate reasonable?

Q18. How many partridge keepers within Wales use cage systems?

Q19. Partridge keepers currently using cage systems are estimated to have around 2,000 cages on average. Is this estimate reasonable?

Q20. How many partridge establishments are there in Wales that use a) metal cages, b) wooden cages?

Q21. How many pheasant establishments are there in Wales that use metal cages? 

Q22. What impact will the code of practice have on the number of gamekeepers in Wales?

Q23. A cost per establishment of £300 has been suggested for ‘Flock Health & Welfare plans’, does this seem reasonable?

Q24. Cage enrichment costs of £5-£15 for pheasants and £0-£10 for partridges have been suggested, are these reasonable?

Click here to view the Welsh gamebirds welfare code consultation

Find out more from Glynn Cook

Glynn Cook - Regional Director (Wales)

Introduction:

Glynn Cook is the Country Director for Wales and first joined BASC as Regional Officer for Wales and the West Midlands in January 1988.

Show full biography and contact details

Full biography/contact details:

Glynn Cook is the Country Director for Wales and first joined BASC as Regional Officer for Wales and the West Midlands in January 1988.

His main sporting interest is wildfowling and he learned the skills of the sport from his late father, a founder member of Holbeach and District Wildfowlers’ Association on the Wash.  Glynn is still a member of that club as well as being a member of five Welsh wildfowling clubs, a small game syndicate and chairman of Caersws Angling Association.

 

He has now been interested in and involved with country pursuits of all kinds for over 50 years and feels that this experience, together with a background in the communications industry, has equipped him to promote both the aims of BASC and the sport of shooting.

 

BASC Wales Centre,
The Station House,
Caersws,
Powys,
SY17 5HH
Tel: 01686 688 861
Fax: 01686 688 854
Email Glynn Cook

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