Chickens on Allotments

[Lizzy]

What rules do you apply to Chickens on Allotments?
Our Allotments are split, we have two lots of chickens on one side, two on the other. The problem is one group are not very well looked after, we don't know what to do for the best, besides banning them.

Are there official rules to follow, or does individual allotments make there own rules? Can anyone help.

Thanks

Liz

[MaureenHall]

I think it probably depends on the individual allotment rules. If you suspect that some chickens aren't being cared for properly perhaps a word to the site secretary or chairman might be a good idea

[Snadger]

I would imagine DEFRA and animal protection groups would have something to say about cruelty to animals!

[Guttata]

It can differ between councils, even more confusing is that it can actually differ between sites with in the came council. The best bet is to check the tenancy if nothing is mentioned there then check the council to see if there is a general rule. When I had an allotment there was a rule of no livestock in the tenancy, yet from what I was told by someone else an allotment site in a different part of the city it was fine.

If you think that the chicken are not being looked after properly then contact the RSPCA. They will investigate, if they are being mistreated they will be taken away if not they won't. You can report anonymously to them if you are worried about any come back.

[Lizzy]

Thanks all, will check out local ruling with the Council and will go to RSPCA if nothing improves.

Lizzy

[Bramble-Poultry]

Before you read this please bear in mind that i have worked for the RSPCA, and worked alongside the Animal Welfare Officer so i am giving a balanced view.

Dont bother with the RSPCA. Chickens are livestock and as such are not within the RSPCA's remit. Infact the RSPCA cant actually do much at all as they have no legal powers to do anything. They dress in police style uniform and call themselves inspectors to project authority, and yet they have no powers over and above that of a normal citizen.

If you do contact the RSPCA, they will come and look and write notes. They are not legally allowed to enter the particular allotment without permission and that would constitute trespass and if they confiscate the birds it is theft.

The person you actually need to speak to - and the one the RSPCA will report the allotment holder to - is the Animal Welfare Officer at the local council. He has the power of entry, confiscation and prosection all afforded to him under the Aniaml Welfare Act 2006. I know a couple of AWO's as they frequent a lot of livestock markets, both plain clothes and high profile to premote good practice. Unofficially they regard the RSPCA as a "vigilante" group, private individuals who go out of their way to bring private prosecutions against individuals which in any other walk of life would be considered harmful to public interests, whereas as the RSPCA deal with animals its accepted. If the AWO comes out he will contact the owner and discuss with him whats going wrong and serve them with a legal notice to improve. If they dont then it gets legal in a court with a jury etc, the RSPCA turn up, gather evidence and prosecute in a private action, which means no jury and no fair trial as they have gathered evidence against you, not to help you.

I have worked for the RSPCA, and suffice to say, i wont do it again. I have worked along side the AWO's and recommend them as the better route to go down. Let the RSPCA deal with cats, kitten and dogs which is all they are allowed to deal with by law, leave poultry to the experts

rant over - Mike

[Lizzy]

Mike,

Thanks very much for your comments, I will take your advice,

Liz

[Suechooks]

I'd second what Mike has said. Our Council has an allotment officer (allotments are council owned/run) who will pass on any concerns and get the AWO to inspect as Mike has already described. That said they will allow a lot of leeway over chooks and as long as they have food water and shelter there is apparently not much they can do.

[Bramble-Poultry]

To be fair the AWO doesn;t want to confiscate birds or prosicute what he wants to do is HELP you - Alien concept I know!

As Mike said he will come out if called. But perhpas you are in a position to be a little more subtle - do you have meetings or socials - some allotments do - if so do these people who you are concerned about come to these meetings - if so invite the AWO as a guest speaker - he will be glad to come offer advice and help and answer questions and hand out leaflets - it may be that the chicken keepers are misinformed and this will set them right - if they already know but are just poor keepers then it may make them gently aware that they are being watched!!

If you do not have meetings then you still need to speak to him - not just to report the problem but to get his help and advice, obvioulsy I can't speak for all AWO's but I have generally found them to be fair, helpful and supportive.

As for banning chickens - the long and short of it is you CAN'T!!! Law prevents you under the allotments act.