Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to ensure the enforcement of the welfare code on purpose-breeding of pheasants and partridges.

The welfare of gamebirds is protected by the Animal Welfare Act 2006 which makes it an offence to cause any unnecessary suffering to a captive animal or to fail to provide for its welfare. The statutory Gamebird Code, which was made under the 2006 Act, provides additional protection and provides keepers with guidance on how to meet the welfare needs of their gamebirds. Failure to follow the code's recommendations can be used in evidence in court to support a welfare prosecution.

Inspectors from the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) refer to the code when asked to inspect a game farm. When required, APHA officials advise farmers on achieving compliance and, if appropriate, legal action will be taken.