As the result of poultry farms working with Wageningen University and Research Centre on measures to prevent the need for beak-trimming, the Dutch Minister of Agriculture has announced that the ban on the practice will start three years earlier than expected.

The ban can be introduced, according to the Minister, Sharon Dijksma, because other management measures, such as housing, husbandry and breeding, reduce the risk of injury from aggressive pecking.

She said: "We need to improve the welfare for poultry, but in a responsible manner. Earlier introduction of the ban still allows companies time to develop working solution to combat injurious pecking."