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Found this in AOL news section, I have also signed the email to defra too. Please feel free to move the post if appropriate,
Tina
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New rules 'squeeze' chicken space
Last Updated: Tuesday, 25 August 2009, 13:09 GMT- Search: Chicken rearing
Chickens reared to basic industry standards could find themselves in spaces almost 25% smaller than an A4 piece of paper if the Government adopts new EU legislation, the RSPCA has warned.
According to the charity, the move would constitute a "retrograde step" which would have a significant impact on the welfare of hundreds of millions of birds.
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) is considering the legislation which will make it even more difficult for the animals to walk or flap their wings, the RSPCA said.
Currently chickens reared for meat at basic industry standards are allocated 526 sq cm - 15% less space than an A4 sheet of paper.
This could be reduced by a further 8% if the new guidelines are brought in.
Dr Marc Cooper, RSPCA senior farm animal scientist, said: "At a time when more of us are concerned about how chickens are reared, we seem to be in a position where the EU is making conditions worse, not better.
"Implementing these new provisions could have a significant impact on mortality rates, skin and leg problems as well as making it harder for these birds to perform basic natural behaviours like walking or flapping their wings.
"In England we have traditionally had some of the most progressive animal welfare laws in the world, and that is why we are asking people to support us in calling on Defra to make the right decision for chicken welfare."
The RSPCA has launched an online campaign called Quash the Squash to highlight the issue. Their fight is backed by charities including the World Society of the Protection of Animals (WSPA) and Compassion in World Farming. The RSPCA's e-petition can be found at RSPCA: Campaign Network.
Last Updated: Tuesday, 25 August 2009, 16:09
Tina
x
New rules 'squeeze' chicken space
Last Updated: Tuesday, 25 August 2009, 13:09 GMT- Search: Chicken rearing
Chickens reared to basic industry standards could find themselves in spaces almost 25% smaller than an A4 piece of paper if the Government adopts new EU legislation, the RSPCA has warned.
According to the charity, the move would constitute a "retrograde step" which would have a significant impact on the welfare of hundreds of millions of birds.
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) is considering the legislation which will make it even more difficult for the animals to walk or flap their wings, the RSPCA said.
Currently chickens reared for meat at basic industry standards are allocated 526 sq cm - 15% less space than an A4 sheet of paper.
This could be reduced by a further 8% if the new guidelines are brought in.
Dr Marc Cooper, RSPCA senior farm animal scientist, said: "At a time when more of us are concerned about how chickens are reared, we seem to be in a position where the EU is making conditions worse, not better.
"Implementing these new provisions could have a significant impact on mortality rates, skin and leg problems as well as making it harder for these birds to perform basic natural behaviours like walking or flapping their wings.
"In England we have traditionally had some of the most progressive animal welfare laws in the world, and that is why we are asking people to support us in calling on Defra to make the right decision for chicken welfare."
The RSPCA has launched an online campaign called Quash the Squash to highlight the issue. Their fight is backed by charities including the World Society of the Protection of Animals (WSPA) and Compassion in World Farming. The RSPCA's e-petition can be found at RSPCA: Campaign Network.
Last Updated: Tuesday, 25 August 2009, 16:09
surely not!
steps off anti EU soapbox PDQ...
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