§ Mr. Simon HughesTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is his policy in respect of the fitting of red-coloured contact lenses to poultry to prevent feather-pecking.
§ Mr. CurryThe Farm Animal Welfare Council has been asked to investigate this practice and report on any welfare implications.
§ Mr. Simon HughesTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps he takes to ensure turkey slaughtering is carried out without causing suffering to the bird; and if he has any plans to amend legislation on poultry slaughter to increase the effectiveness of animal welfare measures.
§ Mr. CurryThe welfare of turkeys at slaughter is protected by the Slaughter of Poultry Act 1967 and the Slaughter of Poultry (Humane Conditions) Regulations 1984, as amended, made under it. Local authorities at district council level are responsible for enforcement, and Ministry veterinary officers also visit slaughterhouses to check that welfare requirements are being met. The Ministry funds research into various aspects of the welfare of poultry at slaughter. As results become available they are and will be used, as appropriate, to update regulations or codes of practice.
We plan to add to the legislation shortly by making new regulations on the licensing of poultry slaughtermen and the supervision of welfare in poultry slaughterhouses, issuing directions to local authorities and making a code of practice on poultry slaughter. These measures will implement Farm Animal Welfare Council recommendations.