WASK currently imposes strict limitations on the use of gas to stun and kill poultry. The proposed amendments will permit the use of a wider range of gas mixtures for poultry slaughter where this does not compromise welfare standards; and also allow the wider use of gas on farm as a mass culling method for poultry.

These amendments will allow the poultry industry here to use cheaper gas mixtures than are currently permitted. By extending the use of gas on farms these amendments also give access to an efficient and effective means of culling flocks in the event of an epizootic disease outbreak.

The consultation period ends on Monday 26 September 2011.

Further information on the consultation can be found on the DARD web site [click here].