Concerns over u-turn on game birds bred in cages

RSPCA are extremely concerned that the government is planning to overturn expert recommendations against the use of cages to breed game birds in England.

There are about 40 million game birds being reared in the UK. A proportion of those kept for breeding are being raised in cages. We are calling for proper scientific research to establish how to best meet the birds’ needs under section 9 of the Animal Welfare Act.

We are asking our supporters, who are concerned about the welfare implications of cage systems for breeding game birds, namely pheasants and partridges, to contact their local MP and urge them to raise the issue.

In the meantime, the aim is to persuade the industry to act in accordance with the scientific principles of welfare and avoid using cages as a precaution.

Even the government’s own advisory body, the Farm Animal Welfare Council (FAWC), has advised that cages appear unable to meet the basic physical and behavioural needs of game birds. 

Game birds are semi-wild, and using outdoor pens and paddocks for small numbers of birds is preferable to restricting them in cages.

We believe further research would provide scientific evidence in order to set up the best welfare-based rearing system. The last government was due to carry out research funded by the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), which we see as essential.

Experts, including RSPCA senior scientific officer Alice Clark, have been advising Defra about drawing up a code of practice for game bird rearing. Alice said: “Although it is extremely good news that the barren cage system for breeding game birds is not going to be endorsed by Defra, we’d like the government to make a stand on so-called enriched cages too, and take the precautionary approach whilst committing to some much-needed research to address the serious welfare concerns.

We appreciate the lack of evidence on this issue makes it hard to provide detailed recommendations, so new scientific research would allow a timely revision of the code based on the findings to ensure all farmed game birds are able to carry out their natural behaviours.”

If you are concerned about the welfare implications of cage systems for breeding game birds write to your local MP today. Support the work of the RSPCA with a donation from your pay.