HSA’s Code of Practice for the Disposal of Chicks in Hatcheries referenced
11 June 2018
The HSA’s Code of Practice for the Disposal of Chicks in Hatcheries has been referenced in a new Code of Practice for the Welfare of Laying Hens and Pullets which was laid before Parliament on June 5. If there are no objections from Parliament, the Code of Practice will come into force in August 2018.
The updated draft code follows a consultation which took place in January this year and now incorporates the latest scientific, veterinary and husbandry advice as well as providing clear guidance to owners and keepers to help ensure and enhance the welfare of their animals.
The HSA was also referenced in another updated Code of Practice which came into force in March this year. Under the section on advice on catching and handling poultry, the HSA’s Poultry Catching and Handling Technical Note No 15 was also referenced in the new Code of Practice for the Welfare of Meat Chickens and Meat Breeding Chickens.
HSA’s Technical Director Charlie Mason said: “The HSA seeks to promote the highest standards of welfare worldwide for food animals and is recognised internationally as an authoritative source of information for professionals involved in livestock handling and slaughter. We are pleased to see our Codes referenced in this way.”
The new codes are part of a series of welfare codes currently being reviewed and updated by Defra following recent consultations.