Mutilations (Permitted
Procedures) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2008 come into force
DEPARTMENT FOR
ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS News Release (Information
Bulletin ref:172/08) issued by The Government News Network on 4 June 2008
The Mutilations
(Permitted Procedures) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2008 came
into force on 3 June 2008. These Regulations amend the Mutilations
(Permitted Procedures) (England) Regulations 2007. The 2007
Regulations exempt certain mutilations from the general ban on all
mutilation of animals contained in the Animal Welfare Act 2006.
Mutilation in this context means the carrying out of a procedure
which involves interference with the sensitive tissues or bone
structure of an animal.
The 2008 Regulations add new procedures to the list of permitted procedures.
The 2008 Regulations have the effect of:
* Allowing certain artificial insemination techniques in sheep
and goats. These are:
- Ovum transplantation, including ovum collection, by a surgical method
- Embryo collection or transfer by a surgical method
- Laparoscopic insemination for the purpose of breed improvement programmes
* Allowing the wing and web tagging of non-farmed birds for
conservation purposes (including education and captive breeding
programmes) and for research.
* Allowing the wing and web tagging of farmed birds involved in
breed improvement programmes and for identification for disease
testing purposes.
* Allowing the neck tagging and web notching of farmed ducks
involved in breed improvement programmes.
Certain drafting changes have also been made in order to ensure
compliance with relevant EU Directives on the welfare of pigs and
laying hens - these amendments are not intended to affect current
farming practice.
For more information, please see: http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/welfare/act/docking.htm
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