Feature:
Breeding gamebirds
June 2010
About 40 million gamebirds are bred every year in Britain. And some of those kept for breeding are housed in cages, which the RSPCA is very much against. We are really pleased that a new Government Code won’t allow barren cages, but are extremely concerned and disappointed that a change to the Code is now being proposed to allow the use of so-called ‘enriched’ cages.
Farm Animal Welfare Council (FAWC) view the Government’s own advisory body, reported on gamebirds, concluding that ‘cages in their present form do not appear to offer birds an environment in which their basic needs to express normal behaviour can be or are being met.’
Further research required
There is little scientific evidence about gamebirds, so we support FAWC’s recommendation for further research. We would strongly urge the Government not to allow enriched cages without firm assurance research into the welfare requirements of breeding gamebirds, namely pheasants and partridges, will be undertaken and acted on without delay.
What can you do?
Email your local MP and express your view on the use of cages for breeding gamebirds.
Show your support to the campaign by sharing this article using the buttons below. Thank you.
Do you think adding ‘enrichment’ to cages, like perches and scratching material, can make them acceptable for keeping birds in?
