Mass breeding of game birds without welfare checks may be curtailed in England

The UK government is considering new regulations to curb the mass breeding of game birds like pheasants and partridges. The proposal aims to introduce welfare standards and licensing for shooting organizers, who currently operate without the same oversight as poultry farms.
Why it matters
This reflects a growing legislative focus on animal welfare standards in the agricultural and sporting sectors.
A pheasant and partridge shoot in Oxfordshire, England. Ministers are consulting on what effects the sector has on wildlife, the environment and the welfare of the birds. A pheasant and partridge shoot in Oxfordshire, England. Ministers are consulting on what effects the sector has on wildlife, the environment and the welfare of the birds. Hunting Mass breeding of game birds without welfare checks may be curtailed in England Campaigners say pheasants and partridges reared ‘on industrial scale’ do not have same protections as chickens
Prefer the Guardian on Google The government is considering a crackdown on pheasant shooting in England as part of a consultation on strict new animal welfare laws that would affect shoot organisers.
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