Ducks (Factory Farming) (Hansard, 23 July 2004)

§ Sue Doughty
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make a statement on the welfare of factory farmed ducks with reference to(a) access to water other than drinking water and (b) the practice of de-beaking. [186027]

§ Mr. Bradshaw
In determining the welfare requirements of farmed ducks for water, other than drinking water, a balance needs to be struck between the 805W behavioural needs of the birds and the risks to health, hygiene, and food safety if they are given unlimited access to open water.
Defra is shortly to fund a research project which will assess the extent to which different commercial systems currently in use in this country fulfil the welfare needs of farmed ducks. Part of the study aims to quantify a duck's motivation to gain access to water.
Our existing Code of Recommendations for the Welfare of Ducks and our consultation document on a new code, propose that the practice of de-beaking or bill trimming should be avoided and only used if veterinary advice is that the procedure is essential to prevent worse welfare problems, such as the birds injuring each other.

§ Sue Doughty
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what plans the Government has to improve the welfare standards of factory farmed ducks. [186028]

§ Mr. Bradshaw
The welfare of ducks is protected by The Agriculture (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1968, which makes it an offence to cause unnecessary pain or unnecessary distress. More detailed standards are laid down in The Welfare of Farmed Animals (England) Regulations 2000 (S.I. 1870). These Regulations include specific requirements on inspections, record keeping, freedom of movement, buildings and equipment and feed and water.
There is also a specific Code of Recommendations for the Welfare of Ducks. Flock-keepers are required by law to have access to, and be familiar with this code, which encourages all those who care for ducks to adopt the highest standards of husbandry.
We are currently revising the duck welfare code and a three month public consultation ends on 10 September.