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Defra consultation on new chicken welfare statutory code
Image: meat chickens
The new statutory code aims to provide up-to-date guidance on the welfare of meat chickens
Views sought on welfare of meat and meat breeding chickens in England

Defra has opened a period of consultation on a new statutory Code of Practice for the Welfare of Meat Chickens and Meat Breeding Chickens, for England.

The purpose of the existing statutory code is to provide owners and keepers of meat chickens and meat breeding chickens with guidance on how to comply with relevant welfare legislation. It has not been updated since it was published in 2002 and does not fully reflect the additional rules relating to the welfare of conventionally reared meat chickens, which came into force in 2010.

Guidance on these requirements was published in 2011 in a separate document entitled, Interim guidance for keepers of conventionally reared meat chickens in relation to the Welfare of Farmed Animals (England) Regulations 2007 as amended by the Welfare of Farmed Animals (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2010.

The proposal is to revoke the existing statutory Code of Recommendations for the Welfare of Livestock: Meat Chickens and Breeding Chickens (2002) and to replace both it – and the interim guidance – with a new statutory code, which is provided in draft as part of the consultation documentation.

The new statutory code aims to provide up-to-date guidance on the current legislation; to maintain animal welfare standards; to reflect the latest scientific and veterinary knowledge; and be presented in a clear and relevant way for farmers.

The consultation, which began on 11 August and closes on 6 October, invites comments on whether – and how well – the draft statutory code published with this consultation document achieves these aims.

The consultation survey is available online. Alternatively, if you wish to respond by other means, contact animalwelfare.consultations@defra.gsi.gov.uk.

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Animal Medicines Amnesty returns this November

News Story 1
 Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty.

Organised by the Responsible Use of Medicines Alliance Companion Animal and Equine (RUMA CA&E), the initative is supported by a range of cross-sector organisations.

Practices are encouraged to use the campaign to engage the whole practice team and raise awareness of the safe disposal of medicines with clients. Learn how your practice can get involved at rumacae.org.uk 

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News Shorts
APHA launches free virtual work experience programme

The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), in collaboration with Springpod, has launched a free virtual work experience programme, giving young people across the UK the chance to explore careers dedicated to protecting animal and plant health.

The on-demand programme offers a unique insight into career opportunities within APHA, showcasing how students can contribute to tackling some of the UK's most critical biosecurity and environmental challenges.

Designed for students aged 13 and over, the course includes more than 10 hours of engaging content featuring real-life industry insights, scenario-based challenges, and practical guidance on applying for jobs. To register for the course, visit the APHA website.