Overview

This bill aims to improve the welfare of pheasants and partridges kept for egg production in England and Wales by banning the use of raised laying cages and battery cages, and setting minimum space requirements for their enclosures.

Description

The Game Birds (Cage Breeding) Bill prohibits keeping pheasants and partridges in raised laying cages or battery cages for egg production. It defines "battery cage" as any enclosed space in a system of stacked or adjacent cages, and "raised laying cage" as any cage elevated from the ground. The bill mandates a minimum of two square meters of floor space per bird in any enclosure used for keeping these birds for egg production, including after the laying period.

Penalties

Breaching the bill's provisions leads to a maximum penalty of 51 weeks imprisonment, a fine (level 5 on the standard scale), or both.

Implementation

The bill applies only to England and Wales and will come into effect one year after it becomes law.

Government Spending

The bill is unlikely to significantly increase or decrease government spending. Enforcement costs may be incurred but no figures are available in the provided text.

Groups Affected

Groups affected include:

• Game bird farmers: They will need to adapt their facilities to comply with the new regulations. This may involve significant investment and potential economic impact.
• Consumers: May experience changes in the price and availability of pheasant and partridge eggs.
• Animal welfare organizations: The bill is likely to be viewed favorably, as it improves the welfare standards for these birds.
• Enforcement agencies: Will be responsible for ensuring compliance with the new regulations.

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