Thank you for writing to me about your concerns surrounding the use of cages for breeding gamebirds.
I share your high regard for animal welfare. Game Farming is already subject to a Code of Practice under the Animal Welfare Act (2006).
The value of shooting in Wales is worth some £75million to the economy and provides the equivalent of 2,400 full time jobs. Shooting provides Wales with a 365 day a year tourism industry supporting village pubs, hotels and eateries in the quieter winter months when passing trade is bleak.
The rearing of pheasants and partridges for shooting requires the use of laying units such as floor pens and raised units. Both practices are covered by extensive animal welfare legislation and a statutory Code of Practice. Virtually all partridges and approximately 75% of pheasants reared in the UK hatch from an egg laid in a raised laying unit (RLU).
Defra commissioned research, published in 2015, showed that pheasants appeared more “relaxed and content” in RLUs than in floor pens, and partridges appeared more “relaxed and content” in larger, enriched RLUs.
The 2010-12 Defra research confirms that properly managed RLUs are often the safest and healthiest way to house birds during the laying stage of game rearing. In short, they offer:
- Better protection from Disease
- Better protection from the Elements
- Better Protection from Predators
- Better quality, healthier eggs
The evidence from Defra’s own research (2015) suggests that restricting or banning the use of properly managed raised laying systems could very well compromise the welfare of breeding birds.
My colleagues and I in the Welsh Conservatives take issues of animal welfare extremely seriously and will continue to work hard to ensure that future Welsh Government policy maintains high animal welfare standards.
Once again, thank you for raising this issue with me.