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<p>The Government shares the public’s high regard for animal welfare and the welfare
of our farmed livestock is protected by comprehensive and robust legislation.</p><p>
</p><p>The welfare of gamebirds is protected by the Animal Welfare Act 2006 which
makes it an offence to cause unnecessary suffering. This is backed up by the statutory
Code of Practice for the Welfare of Gamebirds Reared for Sporting Purposes, which
recommends that barren cages should not be used for breeding birds. Keepers are required
by law to have access to, and be familiar with this code, which encourages the adoption
of high standards of husbandry. Failure to observe the provisions of a code may also
be used in support of a prosecution.</p><p> </p><p>Whatever the system of production,
the most important factor in determining animal welfare is good stockmanship and the
correct application of husbandry standards. This reflects the advice of our expert
body, the Farm Animal Welfare Committee.</p><p> </p><p>Data on numbers of gamebirds
kept in barren cages is not held centrally by Defra.</p><p> </p><p> </p>
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