§ Mr. MorleyTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many broiler chickens died from heat stress on United Kingdom broiling farms in the period May to September; and if he will make a statement. [41807]
§ Mrs. BrowningFigures on the number of broiler chickens which have died from heat stress are not available.
The Agriculture (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1968 makes it an offence to cause unnecessary pain or distress to livestock. It is a provision of the code of recommendations for the welfare of domestic fowl made under the Act that accommodation should be so designed that its ventilation is adequate to protect birds from overheating under any weather conditions that can reasonably be foreseen. MAFF has funded an advisory booklet, video and a series of countryside meetings to help farmers prevent heat stress in poultry.
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