The independent government welfare advisory body, Farm Animal Welfare Council (FAWC), has been investigating the treatment of birds during slaughter and some concerns have already been raised.

According to Farmers Guardian, the FAWC report is not due out until October but at a recent meeting FAWC member, Professor David Henderson, talked about some key issues that could come out of the investigations.

Prof Henderson is reported to have said, “Live shackling is something that concerns us greatly, but unfortunately it is a necessary process for water-bath electrical stunning. We would like to see the industry address this procedure more vigorously. We would like to see it done away with over a number of years,” he said.

BPC urged caution and said that the comments made by Prof Henderson should be considered in the context of the full report, when it is published.

BPS chief executive, Peter Bradnock, said, “It is not helpful to have this amount of premature comment and speculation. What is important is to see what FAWC are actually saying in the report and on what scientific basis they are saying it.

“Consumers would be better informed after all organizations involved have had a chance to objectively consider the FAWC report, when it is eventually published.

“British Poultry Council will be studying the recommendations made by FAWC and will be looking at what action is necessary with our members and with researchers,” he said.

BPC said that the poultry sector worked closely with FAWC and takes seriously any report issued by the government’s official adviser on farm animal welfare.

Further Reading

-

Go to our previous news item on this story by clicking here.