New Tasmanian welfare regulations for poultry from 1 July 2013 #agchatoz New animal welfare regulations relating to poultry came into effect on 1 July 2013. There has already been extensive media coverage of the phasing out of cages in the commercial egg industry. There are also new regulations that provide for legally enforceable care and management standards for all commercial egg producers (ie free range and barn operations as well). The care and management standards relate to housing, stocking density, the provision of food and water. The regulations relating to cages include a ban on keeping layer hens in cages unless: - • The person is an existing cage egg producer, in which case he or she may not exceed the number of cages at the time the new regulation came into effect; or • The person has bought all or part of an existing cage egg operation. The Tasmanian Government has provided $3 million to help current cage egg producers transition out of cage production and assist any producers to develop their non-cage egg production. The effect of the new regulations relating to cage egg production means that in the short run, there will be no increase in the number of cages in Tasmania. Any reductions in cage hen capacity achieved under the Government assistance package will also result in a reduction in the number of cages permitted in Tasmania. Please note that the new poultry welfare regulations apply to commercial egg producers. In Tasmania, this means anybody with 20 or more hens who sells eggs. Further information and a link to the Animal Welfare (Domestic Poultry) Regulations 2013 are available on the DPIPWE website. Enquiries about the new poultry welfare regulations can be made to the Animal Biosecurity and Welfare Branch at DPIPWE on 1300 368 550, or email [email protected] thelaw.tas.gov.au/tocview/index.w3p;cond=ALL;doc_id=%2B33%2B2013%2BAT%40EN%2B20130701090000;histon=;prompt=;rec=;term=animal%20welfare
Posted on: Sun, 28 Jul 2013 00:36:33 +0000
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