http://www.legislation.gov.uk/nisr/2012/156/schedule/3Welfare of Farmed Animals Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2012texttext/xmlenStatute Law DatabaseWELFARE OF ANIMALS2021-03-30Expert Participation2019-12-14
These Regulations revoke and remake the Welfare of Farmed Animals Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2000, as amended by S.R. 2002 No. 259, S.R. 2003 No. 244 and S.R. 2010 No. 339.
Welfare of Farmed Animals Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2012
SCHEDULE 3Additional conditions that apply to the keeping of laying hens in enriched cages
Regulation 41All cage systems shall be enriched to comply with the requirements of this Schedule.2Laying hens shall have—aat least 750 cm2 of cage area per hen, 600 cm2 of which shall be usable; the height of the cage other than that above the usable area shall be at least 20 cm at every point and the minimum total area for any cage shall be 2000 cm2 ;baccess to a nest;clitter such that pecking and scratching are possible; anddappropriate perches allowing at least 15 cm per hen.3A feed trough which can be used without restriction shall be provided. Its length shall be at least 12 cm multiplied by the number of hens in the cage.4Each cage shall have a drinking system appropriate to the size of the group; where nipple drinkers are provided, at least two nipple drinkers or two cups shall be within the reach of each hen.5To facilitate inspection, installation and depopulation of hens there shall be a minimum aisle width of 90 cm between tiers of cages and a space of at least 35 cm shall be allowed between the floor of the building and the bottom tier of cages.6Cages shall be fitted with suitable claw-shortening devices.7While the cages are occupied the surfaces and all equipment shall be kept satisfactorily clean.8Cages shall be suitably equipped to prevent hens escaping.9Accommodation comprising two or more tiers of cages shall have devices, or appropriate measures shall be taken, to allow inspection of all tiers without difficulty and facilitate the removal of hens.10The design and dimensions of the cage door shall be such that an adult hen can be removed without undergoing unnecessary suffering or sustaining injury.