http://www.legislation.gov.uk/wsi/2007/3070The Welfare of Farmed Animals (Wales) Regulations 2007AnimalsAnimal rights and welfareANIMALS, WALES;ANIMAL WELFAREStatute Law Database2026-03-16Expert Participation2020-12-31 These Regulations, which apply in relation to Wales, substantially replace (with amendments): 2007 No. 3070 (W.264) ANIMALS, WALES ANIMAL WELFARE The Welfare of Farmed Animals (Wales) Regulations 2007 Made 23 October 2007 Laid before the National Assembly for Wales 27 September 2007 Coming into force 24 October 2007

The Welsh Ministers are, in relation to Wales, the appropriate national authority for the purposes of exercising the powers conferred by section 12(1), (2) and (3) of the Animal Welfare Act 2006, and make the following Regulations in exercise of those powers.

In accordance with section 12(6) of that Act, the Welsh Ministers have consulted such persons appearing to them to represent interests with which these Regulations are concerned as they considered appropriate.

In accordance with section 61(2) of that Act, a draft of these Regulations has been laid before the National Assembly for Wales and approved by a resolution of the National Assembly for Wales. Title, application and commencement1The title of these Regulations is the Welfare of Farmed Animals (Wales) Regulations 2007. They apply in relation to Wales and come into force on 24 October 2007.Definitions and interpretation21In these Regulations—“calf” (“llo”) means a bovine animal up to six months old; “conventionally reared meat chicken” (“iâr fwyta a fegir yn gonfensiynol”) means an animal of the species Gallus gallus that is kept for meat production, other than one—that is on a holding with fewer than 500 such animals or with only breeding stocks of such animals;that is on a hatchery;in relation to which the term “Extensive indoor (barn-reared)” (“Megir yn helaeth dan do (mewn cytiau)”), “Free range” (“Iâr fuarth”), “Traditional free range” (“Iâr fuarth-dull traddodiadol”) or “Free range – total freedom” (“Iâr fuarth– dull hollol rydd”) can be used within the meaning of point (b), (c), (d) or (e) of Annex V to Commission Regulation (EC) No 543/2008 laying down detailed rules for the application of Council Regulation (EC) No 1234/2007 as regards the marketing standards for poultrymeat; orthat is organically reared in accordance with Council Regulation (EC) No 834/2007 on organic production and labelling of organic products and repealing Regulation (EEC) No 2092/91; “food business operator” (“gweithredydd busnes bwyd”) has the meaning given by Article 3 of Regulation (EC) No 178/2002 of the European Parliament and of the Council laying down the general principles and requirements of food law, establishing the European Food Safety Authority and laying down procedures in matters of food safety; “keeper” (“ceidwad”) means any person responsible for or in charge of animals whether on a permanent or temporary basis;“laying hen” (“iâr ddodwy”) means a hen of the species Gallus gallus which has reached laying maturity and is kept for the production of eggs not intended for hatching;“litter” (“llaesodr”) means, in relation to laying hens and conventionally reared meat chickens, any friable material enabling those birds to satisfy their ethological needs;“nest” (“nyth”) means a separate space for egg laying, the floor component of which may not include wire mesh that can come into contact with the birds, for an individual hen or for a group of hens;“person responsible” (“person sy'n gyfrifol”) for an animal has the same meaning as in section 3 of the Animal Welfare Act 2006;“pig” (“mochyn”) means an animal of the porcine species of any age, kept for breeding or fattening; “stocking density” (“dwysedd stocio”) means, in relation to any house in which conventionally reared meat chickens are kept, the total live weight of chickens which are present in the house at the same time per m2 of usable area; “usable area” (“lle y gellir ei ddefnyddio”) means , in relation to laying hens, an area, other than that taken up by a nest, used by laying hens which is at least 30cm wide with a floor slope not exceeding 14% and with headroom of at least 45cm , or, in relation to conventionally reared meat chickens, a littered area accessible to the chickens at any time.2Expressions used in these Regulations that are not defined in these Regulations and are used in the following Directives, have the meaning they bear in those Directives—ain relation to pigs, Directive 2008/120/EC laying down minimum standards for the protection of pigs;aain relation to conventionally reared meat chickens, Council Directive 2007/43/EC laying down minimum rules for the protection of chickens kept for meat production.bin relation to laying hens, Directive 99/74/EC; ...cin relation to calves, Directive 2008/119/EC laying down minimum standards for the protection of calves.3An expression used in regulation 4 or Schedule 1, which is not defined in these Regulations and which appears in Directive 98/58/EC, has the same meaning as it has for the purposes of that Directive.Animals to which these Regulations apply31These Regulations apply to farmed animals only.2In these Regulations, a “farmed animal” (“anifail a ffermir”) means an animal bred or kept for the production of food, wool or skin or other farming purposes, but not including—aa fish, reptile or amphibian;ban animal whilst at, or solely intended for use in, a competition, show or cultural or sporting event or activity;can experimental or laboratory animal; ordan animal living in the wild.Duties on persons responsible for farmed animals41A person responsible for a farmed animal must take all reasonable steps to ensure that the conditions under which it is bred or kept comply with Schedule 1.2In complying with the duty in paragraph (1), a person responsible for a farmed animal must have regard to its—aspecies;bdegree of development;cadaptation and domestication; anddphysiological and ethological needs in accordance with good practice and scientific knowledge.Additional duties on persons responsible for poultry, laying hens, calves, cattle, pigs or rabbits51A person responsible for—apoultry (other than those kept in the systems referred to in Schedules 2 to 4 and conventionally reared meat chickens) kept in a building must ensure they are kept on, or have access at all times to, well-maintained litter or a well-drained area for resting;blaying hens kept in establishments with 350 or more laying hens must comply with Schedules 2, 3, 4 and 5, as applicable;baconventionally reared meat chickens must comply with Part 2 of Schedule 5A;ccalves confined for rearing and fattening must comply with Schedule 6;dcattle must comply with Schedule 7;epigs must, subject to paragraph (2), comply with Part 2 of Schedule 8 and, where applicable, the requirements of Parts 3, 4, 5 and 6 of Schedule 8; orfrabbits must comply with Schedule 9.2Paragraphs 12, 28, 29 and 30 of Schedule 8 apply to all holdings newly built, rebuilt or brought into use for the first time on or after 1st January 2003, but in the case of all other holdings, those paragraphs do not apply until 1st January 2013.3Part 1 of Schedule 8 has effect.4Part 1 of Schedule 5A has effect.<Addition ChangeId="key-8def8b916efbfb18bb0f27759194b932-1680608571933" CommentaryRef="key-8def8b916efbfb18bb0f27759194b932">Monitoring and follow-up at the slaughterhouse</Addition>5APart 3 of Schedule 5A has effect.Codes of Practice61A person responsible for a farmed animal—amust not attend to the animal unless he or she is acquainted with any relevant code of practice and has access to the code while attending to the animal; andbmust take all reasonable steps to ensure that a person employed or engaged by him or her does not attend to the animal unless that other person—iis acquainted with any relevant code of practice;iihas access to the code while attending to the animal; andiiihas received instruction and guidance on the code.2In this section, a “relevant code of practice” (“cod ymarfer perthnasnol”)means a code of practice issued under section 14 of the Animal Welfare Act 2006 or a statutory welfare code issued under section 3 of the Agriculture (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1968 relating to the particular species of farmed animal to which a person is attending.Offences71 A person commits an offence if, without lawful authority or excuse, he or she—acontravenes, or does not comply with a duty in, regulation 4, 5 or 6;bmakes an entry in a record, or gives any information for the purposes of these Regulations which he or she knows to be false in any material particular or, for those purposes, recklessly makes a statement or gives any information which is false in any material particular; orccauses or permits any of the above.2A food business operator who, without lawful authority or excuse, fails to comply with a duty in paragraph 14(2) of Schedule 5A, commits an offence.Prosecutions81A local authority may prosecute proceedings for an offence under these Regulations.2The Welsh Ministers may direct that they, and not the local authority, prosecutes proceedings for an offence under these Regulations in relation to cases of a particular description or any particular case.Penalties91A person guilty of an offence under regulation 7 is liable on summary conviction to—aimprisonment for a term not exceeding 51 weeks;ba fine not exceeding level 4 on the standard scale; orcboth the term of imprisonment referred to sub-paragraph (a) and the fine referred to in sub-paragraph (b).2In relation to an offence committed before the commencement of section 281(5) of the Criminal Justice Act 2003, the reference in paragraph (1)(a) to 51 weeks must be taken as a reference to 6 months.Elin JonesMinister for Rural Affairs, one of the Welsh MinistersSCHEDULE 1General conditions under which farmed animals must be keptRegulation 4Staffing1Animals must be cared for by a sufficient number of staff who possess the appropriate ability, knowledge and professional competence.Inspection21Subject to sub-paragraph (3), animals kept in husbandry systems in which their welfare depends on frequent human attention must be thoroughly inspected at least once a day to check that they are in a state of well-being.2Subject to sub-paragraph (3), animals kept in husbandry systems in which their welfare does not depend on frequent human attention must be inspected at intervals sufficient to avoid any suffering.3In the following cases it is sufficient for the purposes of this paragraph to comply with the following provisions—ain the case of laying hens, paragraph 1 of Schedule 5;aain the case of conventionally reared meat chickens, paragraph 11(1) and (2) of Schedule 5A;bin the case of calves, paragraph 2 or 3 of Schedule 6; andcin the case of pigs, paragraph 2 of Schedule 8.3Where animals are kept in a building, adequate lighting (whether fixed or portable) must be available to enable them to be thoroughly inspected at any time.4Where any animals (other than poultry) are kept in a building they must be kept on, or have access at all times to, a lying area which either has well-maintained dry bedding or is well-drained.<P1 DocumentURI="http://www.legislation.gov.uk/wsi/2007/3070/schedule/1/paragraph/5" IdURI="http://www.legislation.gov.uk/id/wsi/2007/3070/schedule/1/paragraph/5" id="schedule-1-paragraph-5"><Pnumber><CommentaryRef Ref="key-3abd15b8ae05173f11f7f16ff94f1fbc"/>5</Pnumber><P1para><Text> <Addition ChangeId="key-8f9b602e91d793f469f7cb87a262f88c-1680618435934" CommentaryRef="key-8f9b602e91d793f469f7cb87a262f88c">Without prejudice to paragraph 11(3) of Schedule 5A</Addition> any animals which appear to be ill or injured must be cared for appropriately and without delay; where they do not respond to such care, veterinary advice must be obtained as soon as possible.</Text></P1para></P1></P1group><P1group RestrictStartDate="2010-11-10" RestrictExtent="E+W" TerritorialApplication="W"><Title/><P1 DocumentURI="http://www.legislation.gov.uk/wsi/2007/3070/schedule/1/paragraph/6" IdURI="http://www.legislation.gov.uk/id/wsi/2007/3070/schedule/1/paragraph/6" id="schedule-1-paragraph-6"><Pnumber><CommentaryRef Ref="key-3f12fab4d70cfb4b460b1b76e5ec1c59"/>6</Pnumber><P1para><Text>Where necessary, sick or injured animals must be isolated in suitable accommodation with, where appropriate, dry comfortable bedding.</Text></P1para></P1></P1group><P1group RestrictStartDate="2010-11-10" RestrictExtent="E+W" TerritorialApplication="W"><Title>Record keeping7A record must be maintained of—aany medicinal treatment given to animals; andbthe number of mortalities found on each inspection of animals carried out in accordance with any of the following provisions—iin the case of laying hens, paragraph 1 of Schedule 5;iiin the case of calves, paragraph 2 or 3 of Schedule 6; ...iiiin the case of pigs, paragraph 2 of Schedule 8; ...iiiain the case of conventionally reared meat chickens, paragraph 11(1) and (2) of Schedule 5A; orivin any other case, paragraph 2(1) or (2) of this Schedule.8The record referred to in paragraph 7 must be retained for a period of at least three years from the date on which the medicinal treatment was given, or the date of the inspection, and must be made available to an inspector on request.Freedom of movement9The freedom of movement of animals, having regard to their species and in accordance with good practice and scientific knowledge, must not be restricted in such a way as to cause them unnecessary suffering or injury.10Where animals are continuously or regularly tethered or confined, they must be given the space appropriate to their physiological and ethological needs in accordance with good practice and scientific knowledge.Buildings and accommodation11Materials used for the construction of accommodation, and in particular for the construction of pens, cages, stalls and equipment with which the animals may come into contact, must not be harmful to them and must be capable of being thoroughly cleaned and disinfected.12Accommodation and fittings for securing animals must be constructed and maintained so that there are no sharp edges or protrusions likely to cause injury to them.13Air circulation, dust levels, temperature, relative air humidity and gas concentrations must be kept within limits which are not harmful to the animals.14Animals kept in buildings must not be kept in permanent darkness.15Where the natural light available in a building is insufficient to meet the physiological or ethological needs of any animals being kept in it, appropriate artificial lighting must be provided.16Animals kept in buildings must not be kept without an appropriate period of rest from artificial lighting.Animals not kept in buildings17Animals not kept in buildings must, where necessary and possible, be given protection from adverse weather conditions, predators and risks to their health and must, at all times, have access to a well-drained lying area.Automatic or mechanical equipment18All automated or mechanical equipment essential for the health and well-being of the animals must be inspected at least once a day to check that there is no defect in it.19Where defects in automated or mechanical equipment of the type referred to in paragraph 18 are discovered, these must be rectified immediately or, if this is impossible, appropriate steps must be taken to safeguard the health and well-being of the animals pending the rectification of those defects including the use of alternative methods of feeding and watering and alternative methods of providing and maintaining a satisfactory environment.20Where the health and well-being of the animals is dependent on an artificial ventilation system—aprovision must be made for an appropriate back-up system to guarantee sufficient air renewal to preserve the health and well-being of the animals in the event of failure of the system; andban alarm system (which will operate even if the principal electricity supply to it has failed) must be provided to give warning of any failure of the system.21The back-up system referred to in paragraph 20(a) must be thoroughly inspected and the alarm system referred to in paragraph 20(b) tested at least once every seven days in order to check that there is no defect, and, if any defect is found at any time, it must be rectified immediately.Feed, water and other substances22Animals must be fed a wholesome diet which is appropriate to their age and species and which is fed to them in sufficient quantity to maintain them in good health, to satisfy their nutritional needs and to promote a positive state of well-being.23Animals must not be provided with food or liquid that contains any substance that may cause them unnecessary suffering or injury and must be provided with food and liquid in a manner that does not cause them unnecessary suffering or injury.24All animals must have access to feed at intervals appropriate to their physiological needs (and, in any case, at least once a day), except where a veterinary surgeon acting in the exercise of his or her profession otherwise directs.25All animals must either have access to a suitable water supply and be provided with an adequate supply of fresh drinking water each day, or be able to satisfy their fluid intake needs by other means.26Feeding and watering equipment must be designed, constructed, placed and maintained so that contamination of food or water and the harmful effects of competition between animals are minimised.<P1 DocumentURI="http://www.legislation.gov.uk/wsi/2007/3070/schedule/1/paragraph/27" IdURI="http://www.legislation.gov.uk/id/wsi/2007/3070/schedule/1/paragraph/27" id="schedule-1-paragraph-27"><Pnumber><CommentaryRef Ref="key-7145ee7af7f3c63e8221d5dbec397183"/>27</Pnumber><P1para><P2 DocumentURI="http://www.legislation.gov.uk/wsi/2007/3070/schedule/1/paragraph/27/1" IdURI="http://www.legislation.gov.uk/id/wsi/2007/3070/schedule/1/paragraph/27/1" id="schedule-1-paragraph-27-1"><Pnumber>1</Pnumber><P2para><Text>No other substance, with the exception of those given for therapeutic or prophylactic purposes or for the purpose of zootechnical treatment, may be administered to animals unless it has been demonstrated by scientific studies of animal welfare or established practice that the effect of that substance is not detrimental to the health or welfare of the animals.</Text></P2para></P2><P2 DocumentURI="http://www.legislation.gov.uk/wsi/2007/3070/schedule/1/paragraph/27/2" IdURI="http://www.legislation.gov.uk/id/wsi/2007/3070/schedule/1/paragraph/27/2" id="schedule-1-paragraph-27-2"><Pnumber>2</Pnumber><P2para><Text>In sub-paragraph (1), “zootechnical treatment” (“<Emphasis>triniaeth söotechnegol</Emphasis>”) <Substitution ChangeId="key-c65bf46f95743b20fefe76a5fc5d201f-1680620308847" CommentaryRef="key-c65bf46f95743b20fefe76a5fc5d201f">means the administering to an animal, in accordance with regulation 8 of the Veterinary Medicines Regulations 2013 , of veterinary medicinal products having an oestrogenic, androgenic or gestagenic action for synchronizing oestrus and preparing donors and recipients for the implantation of embryos, after examination of the animal by a veterinary surgeon or someone under the responsibility of a veterinary surgeon.</Substitution></Text></P2para></P2></P1para></P1></P1group><P1group RestrictStartDate="2007-10-24" RestrictExtent="E+W" TerritorialApplication="W"><Title>Breeding procedures281Natural or artificial breeding or breeding procedures which cause, or are likely to cause, suffering or injury to any of the animals concerned, must not be practised.2Sub-paragraph (1) does not preclude the use of natural or artificial breeding procedures that are likely to cause minimal or momentary suffering or injury or that might necessitate interventions which would not cause lasting injury.29Animals may only be kept for farming purposes if it can reasonably be expected, on the basis of their genotype or phenotype, that they can be kept without any detrimental effect on their health or welfare.Electrical immobilisation30An electrical current must not be applied to an animal for the purpose of immobilisation.SCHEDULE 2Additional conditions that apply to the keeping of laying hens in non-cage systemsRegulation 51All non-cage systems of production for keeping laying hens must comply with the requirements of this Schedule.2All systems must be equipped in such a way that all laying hens have—alinear feeders providing at least 10cm per bird or circular feeders providing at least 4cm per bird;bcontinuous drinking troughs providing at least 2.5 cm per hen or circular drinking troughs providing at least 1 cm per hen;cat least one nest for every seven hens and, if group nests are used, there must be at least 1 m2 of nest space for a maximum of 120 hens;dperches without sharp edges and providing at least 15 cm per hen, which must not be mounted above the litter, and the horizontal distance between perches must be at least 30 cm and the horizontal distance between the perch and the wall must be at least 20 cm; andeat least 250 cm2 of littered area per hen, the litter occupying at least one third of the ground surface.3Where a system is equipped with nipple drinkers or cups, there must be at least one nipple drinker or cup for every 10 hens.4Where a system has drinking points plumbed in, at least two cups or two nipple drinkers must be within reach of each hen.5The floors of installations must be constructed so as to support each of the forward-facing claws of each bird’s foot.6If systems are used where the laying hens can move freely between different levels—athere must be no more than four levels;bthe headroom between the levels must be at least 45 cm;cthe drinking and feeding facilities must be distributed in such a way as to provide equal access for all hens; anddthe levels must be so arranged as to prevent droppings falling on the levels below.7If laying hens have access to open runs —athere must be several popholes giving direct access to the outer area, at least 35 cm high and 40 cm wide, and extending along the entire length of the building; and in any case, a total opening of 2 m must be available per group of 1,000 hens; andbthe open runs must be—iof an area appropriate to the stocking density and to the nature of the ground, in order to prevent any contamination; andiiequipped with shelter from adverse weather conditions and predators and, if necessary, drinking troughs.8Subject to paragraph (9), the stocking density must not exceed nine laying hens per m2 of usable area.9Where on 3 August 1999 the establishment applied a system where the usable area corresponded to the available ground surface, and the establishment was still applying this system on 25 June 2002, a stocking density of not more than 12 hens per m2 is authorised until 31 December 2011.SCHEDULE 3Additional conditions that apply to the keeping of laying hens in conventional cagesRegulation 51All conventional (unenriched) cage systems must comply with the requirements of this Schedule.2Cage systems must have at least 550 cm2 per hen of cage area, measured in a horizontal plane, which may be used without restriction, in particular not including non-waste deflection plates liable to restrict the area available unless they are placed so as not to restrict the area available for the hens to use.3A feed trough must be provided which may be used without restriction, the length of which must be at least 10 cm multiplied by the number of hens in the cage.41Unless nipple drinkers or drinking cups are provided, each cage must have a continuous drinking channel of the same length as the feed trough mentioned in paragraph 3.2Where drinking points are plumbed in, at least two nipple drinkers or two cups must be within reach from each cage.5Cages must be at least 40 cm high over at least 65% of the cage area and not less than 35 cm at any point, the area being obtained by multiplying 550 cm2 by the number of birds kept in the cage.61Floors of cages must be constructed so as to support each of the forward-facing claws of each foot of each bird.2The floor slope must not exceed 14% or 8 degrees when made of rectangular wire mesh and must not exceed 21.3% or 12 degrees for other types of floor.7Cages must be fitted with suitable claw-shortening devices.8No person may build or bring into service for the first time any cage system referred to in this Schedule for the keeping of laying hens.9On and after 1 January 2012, no person may keep laying hens in any cage system referred to in this Schedule.SCHEDULE 4Additional conditions that apply to the keeping of laying hens in enriched cagesRegulation 51All laying hens not kept in a non cage system referred to in Schedule 2 or a cage system referred to in Schedule 3 must be kept in an enriched cage system which complies with the requirements of this Schedule.2Laying hens must have—aat least 750 cm2 of cage area per hen, 600 cm2 of which must be usable; the height of the cage other than that above the usable area must be at least 20 cm at every point and the minimum total area for any cage must 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 must be provided, the length of which must be at least 12 cm multiplied by the number of hens in the cage.4Each cage must have a drinking system appropriate to the size of the group; where nipple drinkers are provided, at least two nipple drinkers or two cups must be within reach of each hen.5To facilitate inspection, installation and depopulation of hens there must be a minimum aisle width of 90 cm between tiers of cages and a space of at least 35 cm must be allowed between the floor of the building and the bottom tier of cages.6Cages must be fitted with suitable claw-shortening devices.SCHEDULE 5Additional conditions applicable to all systems in which laying hens are keptRegulation 51All hens must be inspected by the owner or other person responsible for the hens at least once a day.2In all systems in which laying hens are kept—athe sound level must be minimised;bconstant or sudden noise must be avoided; andcventilation fans, feeding machinery and other equipment must be constructed, placed, operated and maintained in such a way that they cause the least possible noise.31All buildings must have light levels sufficient to allow hens to see other hens and be seen clearly, to investigate their surroundings visually and to show normal levels of activity.2Where there is natural light, light apertures must be arranged in such a way that light is distributed evenly within the accommodation.3After the first days of conditioning, the lighting regime must be such as to prevent health and behavioural problems and accordingly it must follow a 24-hour rhythm and include an adequate uninterrupted period of darkness lasting, by way of indication, about one third of the day.4A period of twilight of sufficient duration should if possible be provided when the light is dimmed so that the hens may settle down without disturbance or injury.41Those parts of buildings, equipment or utensils which are in contact with the hens must be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected regularly and, in any case, every time depopulation is carried out and before a new batch of hens is brought in.2While the cages are occupied—athe surfaces and all equipment must be kept satisfactorily clean;bdroppings must be removed; andcdead hens must be removed every day.5Cages must be suitably equipped to prevent hens escaping.6Accommodation comprising two or more tiers of cages must have devices, or appropriate measures must be taken, to allow inspection of all tiers without difficulty and to facilitate the removal of hens.7The design and dimensions of the cage door must be such that an adult hen can be removed without undergoing unnecessary suffering or sustaining injury.SCHEDULE 5A<Addition ChangeId="key-2a3b50840f6f81411188b83bf5d3ad7a-1680608690091" CommentaryRef="key-2a3b50840f6f81411188b83bf5d3ad7a">Additional conditions that apply in relation to conventionally reared meat chickens</Addition>Regulations 5 and 5APART 1<Addition ChangeId="key-2a3b50840f6f81411188b83bf5d3ad7a-1680608690091" CommentaryRef="key-2a3b50840f6f81411188b83bf5d3ad7a">Interpretation</Addition><Addition ChangeId="key-2a3b50840f6f81411188b83bf5d3ad7a-1680608690091" CommentaryRef="key-2a3b50840f6f81411188b83bf5d3ad7a">Interpretation</Addition>1In this Schedule—“chicken” (“iâr”) means a conventionally reared meat chicken;“keeper” (“ceidwad”) means any person responsible for or in charge of chickens in terms of contract or by law whether on a permanent or temporary basis;“official veterinarian” (“milfeddyg swyddogol”) has the same meaning as it has in Regulation (EU) 2017/625;“Regulation 853/2004” (“Rheoliad 853/2004”) means Regulation (EC) No 853/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council laying down specific hygiene rules for food of animal origin , as last amended by Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1981 of 31 October 2017;... “Regulation (EU) 2017/625” (“Rheoliad (EU) 2017/625”) means Regulation (EU) 2017/625 of the European Parliament and of the Council on official controls and other official activities performed to ensure the application of food and feed law, rules on animal health and welfare, plant health and plant protection products.PART 2<Addition ChangeId="key-2a3b50840f6f81411188b83bf5d3ad7a-1680608690091" CommentaryRef="key-2a3b50840f6f81411188b83bf5d3ad7a">General additional conditions</Addition><Addition ChangeId="key-2a3b50840f6f81411188b83bf5d3ad7a-1680608690091" CommentaryRef="key-2a3b50840f6f81411188b83bf5d3ad7a">Training</Addition>21A keeper must hold a recognised certificate.1AIn this paragraph, “recognised certificate” means a certificate recognised by the Welsh Ministers attesting to the completion of such training, or the acquisition of experience equivalent to such training, as the Welsh Ministers consider appropriate.2The Welsh Ministers must publish from time to time, in such a way as the Welsh Ministers consider appropriate, a list of recognised certificates.<Addition ChangeId="key-2a3b50840f6f81411188b83bf5d3ad7a-1680608690091" CommentaryRef="key-2a3b50840f6f81411188b83bf5d3ad7a">Stocking density limits</Addition>31Unless sub-paragraph (2) applies, the stocking density must not exceed 33 kilograms per m2 of usable area.2A stocking density in excess of 33 kilograms and up to 39 kilograms per m2 of usable area may be used if the requirements of paragraph 5 are complied with.<Addition ChangeId="key-2a3b50840f6f81411188b83bf5d3ad7a-1680608690091" CommentaryRef="key-2a3b50840f6f81411188b83bf5d3ad7a">Notification of stocking density</Addition>41A keeper must ensure that the Welsh Ministers are notified of the intended stocking density of each house where it is intended to keep chickens at a density in excess of 33 kilograms per m2 of usable area, and of any subsequent change to that notified density.2Notification must be made in such manner and form as the Welsh Ministers may require.3Notification (including notification of any change) must be given at least 15 working days before stocking at that density or changed density takes place.4In this paragraph “working day” means a day other than a Saturday or a Sunday, Christmas Day, Good Friday or a day which is a bank holiday in England and Wales under the Banking and Financial Dealings Act 1971.<Addition ChangeId="key-2a3b50840f6f81411188b83bf5d3ad7a-1680608690091" CommentaryRef="key-2a3b50840f6f81411188b83bf5d3ad7a">Requirements for higher stocking densities</Addition>5The requirements of this paragraph are that the keeper must—amaintain and, on request, make available to the Welsh Ministers, documentation in the house giving a detailed description of the production systems, in particular information on technical details of the house and its equipment, including—ia plan of the house including the dimensions of the surfaces occupied by the chickens;iiventilation and any relevant cooling and heating system (including their location), and a ventilation plan, detailing target air quality parameters (such as airflow, air speed and temperature);iiifeeding and watering systems (and their location);ivalarm and backup systems in the event of a failure of any equipment essential for the health and well-being of the chickens;vfloor type and litter normally used; andvirecords of technical inspections of the ventilation and alarm systems;bkeep up to date the documentation referred to in subparagraph (a);censure that each house is equipped with ventilation and, if necessary, heating and cooling systems designed, constructed and operated in such a way that—ithe concentration of ammonia does not exceed 20 parts per million and the concentration of carbon dioxide does not exceed 3,000 parts per million, when measured at the level of the chickens' heads;iiwhen the outside temperature measured in the shade exceeds 30°C, the inside temperature does not exceed the outside temperature by more than 3°C; andiiiwhen the outside temperature is below 10°C, the average relative humidity measured inside the house during a continuous period of 48 hours does not exceed 70%.<Addition ChangeId="key-2a3b50840f6f81411188b83bf5d3ad7a-1680608690091" CommentaryRef="key-2a3b50840f6f81411188b83bf5d3ad7a">Drink and feed</Addition>61Drinkers must be positioned and maintained in such a way that spillage is minimised.2Feed must be either continuously available or meal fed.3Feed must not be withdrawn from the chickens more than 12 hours before the expected slaughter time.<Addition ChangeId="key-2a3b50840f6f81411188b83bf5d3ad7a-1680608690091" CommentaryRef="key-2a3b50840f6f81411188b83bf5d3ad7a">Litter</Addition>7All chickens must have permanent access to litter which is dry and friable on the surface.<Addition ChangeId="key-2a3b50840f6f81411188b83bf5d3ad7a-1680608690091" CommentaryRef="key-2a3b50840f6f81411188b83bf5d3ad7a">Ventilation and heating</Addition>81Ventilation must be sufficient to avoid overheating.2Ventilation, in combination with heating systems, must be sufficient to remove excessive moisture.<Addition ChangeId="key-2a3b50840f6f81411188b83bf5d3ad7a-1680608690091" CommentaryRef="key-2a3b50840f6f81411188b83bf5d3ad7a">Noise</Addition>9In all houses—athe sound level must be minimised; andbventilation fans, feeding machinery or other equipment must be constructed, placed, operated and maintained in such a way that they cause the least possible amount of noise.<Addition ChangeId="key-2a3b50840f6f81411188b83bf5d3ad7a-1680608690091" CommentaryRef="key-2a3b50840f6f81411188b83bf5d3ad7a">Light</Addition>101All houses must have lighting with an intensity of at least 20 lux during the lighting periods, measured at bird eye level and illuminating at least 80% of the usable area.2A temporary reduction from that lighting level is permitted where necessary following veterinary advice.3Within 7 days from the time when the chickens are placed in the house and until 3 days before the expected time of slaughter, the lighting must follow a 24-hour rhythm and include periods of darkness lasting at least 6 hours in total, with at least one uninterrupted period of darkness of at least 4 hours, excluding dimming periods.<Addition ChangeId="key-2a3b50840f6f81411188b83bf5d3ad7a-1680608690091" CommentaryRef="key-2a3b50840f6f81411188b83bf5d3ad7a">Inspection</Addition>111A keeper must ensure that all chickens kept on the holding are inspected at least twice a day.2Special attention must be paid to signs indicating a reduced level of animal health or welfare.3Chickens that are seriously injured or show evident signs of health disorder (including those having difficulties in walking, severe ascites or severe malformations), and are likely to suffer, must receive appropriate treatment or be culled immediately.<Addition ChangeId="key-2a3b50840f6f81411188b83bf5d3ad7a-1680608690091" CommentaryRef="key-2a3b50840f6f81411188b83bf5d3ad7a">Cleaning</Addition>12After the final depopulation of a house and before a new flock is introduced—aany part of a house, and any equipment or utensil, which has been in contact with chickens must be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected; andball litter must be removed and clean litter provided.<Addition ChangeId="key-2a3b50840f6f81411188b83bf5d3ad7a-1680608690091" CommentaryRef="key-2a3b50840f6f81411188b83bf5d3ad7a">Record keeping</Addition>131A keeper must maintain, for each house, a record of—athe number of chickens introduced;bthe usable area;cthe hybrid or breed of the chickens (if known);dthe number of chickens found dead, with an indication of the causes (if known), as well as the number of chickens culled with cause, on each inspection; andethe number of chickens remaining in the flock following the removal of chickens for sale or slaughter.2The record must be retained for at least 3 years.PART 3<Addition ChangeId="key-2a3b50840f6f81411188b83bf5d3ad7a-1680608690091" CommentaryRef="key-2a3b50840f6f81411188b83bf5d3ad7a">Monitoring and follow-up at the slaughterhouse</Addition><Addition ChangeId="key-2a3b50840f6f81411188b83bf5d3ad7a-1680608690091" CommentaryRef="key-2a3b50840f6f81411188b83bf5d3ad7a">Food chain information and chickens dead on arrival</Addition>141For the purposes of Section III (food chain information) of Annex II to Regulation 853/2004, the daily mortality rate and cumulative daily mortality rate and the hybrid or breed of chickens from a flock with a stocking density in excess of 33 kilograms per m2 of usable area is treated as relevant food safety information.2A food business operator operating a slaughterhouse must—aunder the supervision of the official veterinarian, record the number of chickens from such a flock that are dead on arrival at the slaughterhouse; andbprovide that information on request to the official veterinarian.3In this paragraph—“cumulative daily mortality rate” (“y gyfradd farwolaeth ddyddiol gronnus”) means the sum of daily mortality rates;“daily mortality rate” (“y gyfradd farwolaeth ddyddiol”) means the number of chickens which have died in a house on the same day including those that have been culled either because of disease or because of other reasons, divided by the number of chickens present in the house on that day, multiplied by 100.<Addition ChangeId="key-2a3b50840f6f81411188b83bf5d3ad7a-1680608690091" CommentaryRef="key-2a3b50840f6f81411188b83bf5d3ad7a">Identification of poor welfare conditions and follow-up</Addition>151An official veterinarian conducting controls under Regulation (EU) 2017/625 in relation to chickens must evaluate the results of the post-mortem inspection to identify possible indications of poor welfare conditions in their holding or house of origin.2If the mortality rate of the chickens or the results of the post-mortem inspection are consistent with poor animal welfare conditions, the official veterinarian must communicate the data to the keeper of those chickens and to the Welsh Ministers without delay.SCHEDULE 6Additional conditions that apply to the keeping of calves confined for rearing and fatteningRegulation 5Accommodation11No calf may be confined in an individual stall or pen after the age of eight weeks unless a veterinary surgeon certifies that its health or behaviour requires it to be isolated in order to receive treatment.2The width of any individual stall or pen for a calf must be at least equal to the height of the calf at the withers, measured in the standing position, and the length must be at least equal to the body length of the calf, measured from the tip of the nose to the caudal edge of the tuber ishii (pin bones), multiplied by 1.1.3Individual stalls or pens for calves (except for those isolating sick animals) must have perforated walls which allow calves to have direct visual and tactile contact.4For calves kept in groups, the unobstructed space allowance available to each calf must be—aat least 1.5 m2 for each calf with a live weight of less than 150 kg;bat least 2 m2 for each calf with a live weight of 150 kg or more but less than 200 kg; andcat least 3 m2 for each calf with a live weight of 200 kg or more.5Each calf must be able to stand up, lie down, turn around, rest and groom itself without hindrance.6Each calf that is kept on a holding on which two or more calves are kept, must be able to see at least one other calf.7Sub-paragraph (6) does not apply to any calf that is kept in isolation on a holding on veterinary advice or in accordance with sub-paragraph (1).8For the purpose of calculating the number of calves kept on a holding in order to determine whether sub-paragraph (6) applies, no account may be taken of any calf that is being kept in isolation on veterinary advice or in accordance with sub-paragraph (1).Inspection2All housed calves must be inspected by the owner or other person responsible for the calves at least twice a day to check that they are in a state of well-being.3Calves which are kept outside must be inspected by the owner or other person responsible for the calves at least once a day to check that they are in a state of well-being.Tethering41No person responsible for a calf may tether it or cause it to be tethered, with the exception of group-housed calves which may be tethered for a period of not more than one hour when being fed milk or milk substitute.2Where tethers are used in accordance with sub-paragraph (1), the tether must not cause pain or injury to the calves and must be inspected regularly and adjusted as necessary to ensure a comfortable fit.3Each tether must be designed to avoid the risk of strangulation, pain or injury and allow the calf to stand up, lie down, rest and groom itself without hindrance.Artificially lit buildings5Where calves are kept in an artificially lit building then, subject to paragraph 16 of Schedule 1, artificial lighting must be provided for a period at least equivalent to the period of natural light normally available between 9.00 am and 5.00 pm.Cleaning and disinfection61Housing, stalls, pens, equipment and utensils used for calves must be properly cleaned and disinfected as often as necessary to prevent cross-infection and the build-up of disease-carrying organisms.2Faeces, urine and uneaten or spilt food must be removed as often as necessary to minimise smell and to avoid attracting flies or rodents.Floors7Where calves are kept in a building, floors must—abe smooth but not slippery;bbe designed, constructed and maintained so as not to cause injury or suffering to calves standing or lying on them;cbe suitable for the size and weight of the calves; anddform a rigid, even and stable surface.Bedding and lying area81All calves must be provided with appropriate bedding.2All calves must be kept on, or at all times have access to, a lying area which is clean, comfortable and adequately drained and which does not adversely affect the calves.3All housed calves and calves kept in hutches or temporary structures must be kept on, or at all times have access to, a lying area which is well-maintained with dry bedding.Bovine colostrum9Each calf must receive bovine colostrum as soon as possible after it is born and, in any event, within the first six hours of life.Additional dietary requirements101All calves must be provided with food which contains sufficient iron to ensure a blood haemoglobin level of at least 4.5 mmol/litre.2A minimum daily ration of fibrous food must be provided for each calf over 2 weeks old, the quantity being raised in line with the growth of the calf from a minimum of 100g at 2 weeks old, to a minimum of 250g at 20 weeks old.Muzzling11Calves must not be muzzled.Feeding121All calves must be fed at least twice a day.2Where calves are housed in a group and do not have continuous access to food, or are not fed by an automatic feeding system, each calf must have access to food at the same time as the others in the feeding group.Drinking water131All calves must be provided with a sufficient quantity of fresh drinking water each day.2Calves must be provided with fresh drinking water at all times—ain hot weather conditions; orbwhen they are ill.SCHEDULE 7Additional conditions that apply to the keeping of cattleRegulation 51Where lactating dairy cows or calving cows are kept in a building, they must have access at all times to a well-drained and bedded lying area.2A pen or yard in a building used for calving cows must be of such a size as to permit a person to attend the cows.3Calving cows which are kept in a building must be kept separate from livestock other than calving cows.SCHEDULE 8Additional conditions that apply to the keeping of pigsRegulation 5PART 1Interpretation1In this Schedule—“boar” (“baedd”) means a male pig after puberty, intended for breeding;“gilt” (“banwes”) means a female pig intended for breeding after puberty and before farrowing;“piglet” (“porchell”) means a pig from birth to weaning;“rearing pig” (“mochyn magu”) means a pig from the age of ten weeks to slaughter or service;“sow” (“hwch”) means a female pig after the first farrowing;“weaner” (“porchell diddwyn”) means a pig from weaning to the age of ten weeks.PART 2General additional conditionsInspection2All pigs must be inspected by the owner or other person responsible for the pigs at least once a day to check that they are in a state of well-being.Tethering3No person responsible for a pig may tether it or cause it to be tethered, except while it is undergoing any examination, test, treatment or operation carried out for any veterinary purpose.41Where tethers are used in accordance with paragraph 3, they must not cause injury to the pigs and must be inspected regularly and adjusted as necessary to ensure a comfortable fit.2Each tether must be of sufficient length to allow the pigs to move as stipulated in paragraph 5(2)(a) and (e) and the design must be such as to avoid, as far as possible, any risk of strangulation, pain or injury.Accommodation51A pig must be free to turn around without difficulty at all times.2The accommodation used for pigs must be constructed in such a way as to allow each pig to—astand up, lie down and rest without difficulty;bhave a clean, comfortable and adequately drained place in which it can rest;csee other pigs, except—iwhere the pig is isolated for veterinary reasons; oriiin the week before the expected farrowing time and during farrowing, when sows and gilts may be kept out of sight of other pigs;dmaintain a comfortable temperature; andehave enough space to allow all the animals to lie down at the same time.61The dimensions of any stall or pen used for holding individual pigs must be such that the internal area is not less than the square of the length of the pig, and no internal side is less than 75% of the length of the pig, the length of the pig in each case being measured from the tip of its snout to the base of its tail while it is standing with its back straight.2Sub-paragraph (1) does not apply to a female pig for the period beginning with seven days before the predicted day of her farrowing and ending when the weaning of her piglets (including any piglets fostered by her) is complete.3Sub-paragraph (1) does not apply to a pig held in a stall or pen—awhile it is undergoing any examination, test, treatment or operation carried out for veterinary purposes;bfor the purposes of service, artificial insemination or collection of semen;cwhile it is fed on any particular occasion;dfor the purposes of marking, washing or weighing it;ewhile its accommodation is being cleaned; orfwhile it is awaiting loading for transportation,provided that the period during which it is so kept is not longer than necessary for that purpose.4Sub-paragraph (1) does not apply to a pig held in a stall or pen which the pig can enter or leave at will, provided that the stall or pen is entered from a stall or pen in which the pig is kept without contravention of this paragraph.Artificially lit buildings7Where pigs are kept in an artificially lit building, lighting with an intensity of at least 40 lux must be provided for a minimum period of 8 hours per day subject to paragraph 16 of Schedule 1.Prevention of fighting81If pigs are kept together, measures must be taken to prevent fighting which goes beyond normal behaviour.2Pigs which show persistent aggression towards others or are victims of such aggression must be separated from the group.Cleaning and disinfection91Housing, pens, equipment and utensils used for pigs must be properly cleaned and disinfected as often as necessary to prevent cross-infection and build-up of disease-carrying organisms.2Faeces, urine and uneaten or spilt food must be removed as often as necessary to minimise smell and to avoid attracting flies or rodents.Bedding10Where bedding is provided, it must be clean, dry and not harmful to the pigs.Floors11Where pigs are kept in a building, floors must—abe smooth but not slippery;bbe designed, constructed and maintained so as not to cause injury or suffering to pigs standing or lying on them;cbe suitable for the size and weight of the pigs; anddwhere no litter is provided, form a rigid, even and stable surface.121Where concrete slatted floors are used for pigs kept in groups, the maximum width of the openings must be—a11 mm for piglets;b14 mm for weaners;c18 mm for rearing pigs; andd20 mm for gilts after service and sows.2The minimum slat width must be—a50 mm for piglets and weaners; andb80 mm for rearing pigs, gilts after service and sows.Feeding131All pigs must be fed at least once a day.2Where pigs are housed in a group and do not have continuous access to feed, or are not fed by an automatic feeding system feeding the animals individually, each pig must have access to the food at the same time as the others in the feeding group.Drinking water14All pigs over two weeks of age must have continuous access to a sufficient quantity of fresh drinking water.Environmental enrichment15To enable proper investigation and manipulation activities, all pigs must have permanent access to a sufficient quantity of material such as straw, hay, wood, sawdust, mushroom compost, peat or a mixture of such which does not adversely affect the health of the animals.Prohibition on the use of the sweat-box system16Pigs must not be kept in an environment which involves maintaining high temperatures and high humidity (known as the “sweat-box system”).Noise levels17Pigs must not be exposed to constant or sudden noise.18Noise levels above 85 dBA must be avoided in that part of any building where pigs are kept.PART 3Boars19Boar pens must be sited and constructed so as to allow the boar to turn around and to hear, see and smell other pigs, and must contain clean resting areas.20The lying area must be dry and comfortable.211Subject to sub-paragraph (2), the minimum unobstructed floor area for a boar must be 6 m2.2When boar pens are also used for natural service, the floor area must be at least 10 m2 and must be free of any obstacles.PART 4Sows and Gilts22Pregnant sows and gilts must, where necessary, be treated against external and internal parasites.Farrowing23Pregnant sows and gilts must be thoroughly cleaned before being placed in farrowing crates.24In the week before the expected farrowing time, sows and gilts must be given suitable nesting material in sufficient quantity unless it is not technically feasible for the slurry system used.25During farrowing, an unobstructed area behind the sow or gilt must be available for the ease of natural or assisted farrowing.26Farrowing pens where sows or gilts are kept loose must have some means of protecting the piglets, such as farrowing rails.Group housing27Sows and gilts must be kept in groups except during the period between seven days before the predicted day of farrowing and the day on which the weaning of piglets (including any piglets fostered) is complete.28The pen where the group is kept must have sides greater than 2.8 m in length, except when there are six or fewer individuals in the group, when the sides of the pen must be no less than 2.4 m in length.29The unobstructed floor area available to each gilt after service and to each sow when gilts and/or sows are kept in groups must be at least 1.64 m2 and 2.25 m2 respectively. When these animals are kept in groups of six or fewer individuals, the unobstructed floor area must be increased by 10%. When these animals are kept in groups of 40 or more individuals, the unobstructed floor area may be decreased by 10%.30For gilts after service and pregnant sows, a part of the area required in paragraph 29 equal to at least 0.95 m2 per gilt and at least 1.3 m2 per sow must be of continuous solid floor of which a maximum of 15% is reserved for drainage openings.31Sows and gilts kept on holdings of 10 or fewer sows may be kept individually provided that their accommodation complies with the requirements of paragraphs 5 and 6 of this Schedule.32In addition to the requirements of paragraph 13 of this Schedule, sows and gilts must be fed using a system which ensures that each individual can obtain sufficient food even when competitors for the food are present.33All dry pregnant sows and gilts must be given a sufficient quantity of bulky or high-fibre food as well as high-energy food to satisfy their hunger and need to chew.PART 5Piglets34Where a farrowing crate system is used, piglets must be provided with a source of heat and a solid, dry and comfortable lying area away from the sow where all of them can rest at the same time.35A part of the floor area where the piglets are kept, and which is large enough to allow the animals to rest together at the same time, must be solid or covered with a mat, or be littered with straw or other suitable material.36Where a farrowing crate system is used, the piglets must have sufficient space so they can be suckled without difficulty.37Subject to paragraph 38, piglets must not be weaned from the sow at an age less than 28 days, unless the health or welfare of the sow or piglets would otherwise be adversely affected.38Piglets may be weaned up to seven days earlier than the age referred to in paragraph 37 if they are moved into specialised housing which is—aemptied and thoroughly cleaned and disinfected before the introduction of a new group; andbseparate from housing where other sows are kept.PART 6Weaners and rearing pigs39As soon as possible after weaning, weaners and rearing pigs must be kept in stable groups, with as little mixing as possible.40If weaners and rearing pigs unfamiliar with one another have to be mixed—athis must if possible be done before weaning or up to one week after weaning, or otherwise when the pigs are as young as possible; andbthey must be provided with adequate opportunities to escape and hide from other pigs.41The use of tranquilising medication in order to facilitate mixing must be limited to exceptional conditions and only after consultation with a veterinary surgeon.42If there are signs of severe fighting, the causes must be immediately investigated and appropriate measures taken.43The unobstructed floor area available to each weaner or rearing pig reared in a group must be at least—a0.15 m2 for each pig where the average weight of the pigs in the group is 10 kg or less;b0.20 m2 for each pig where the average weight of the pigs in the group is more than 10 kg, but less than or equal to 20 kg;c0.30 m2 for each pig where the average weight of the pigs in the group is more than 20 kg but less than or equal to 30 kg;d0.40 m2 for each pig where the average weight of the pigs in the group is more than 30 kg but less than or equal to 50 kg;e0.55 m2 for each pig where the average weight of the pigs in the group is more than 50 kg but less than or equal to 85 kg;f0.65 m2 for each pig where the average weight of the pigs in the group is more than 85 kg but less than or equal to 110 kg; andg1.00 m2 for each pig where the average weight of the pigs in the group is more than 110 kg.SCHEDULE 9Additional conditions that apply to the keeping of rabbitsRegulation 51Hutches or cages in which rabbits are kept must be—aof sufficient size to allow the rabbits to move around and to feed and drink without difficulty and to allow them all to lie on their sides at the same time; andbof sufficient height to allow the rabbits to sit upright on all four feet without their ears touching the top of the hutch or cage.2Where rabbits are kept in accommodation which is exposed to the weather, suitable steps must be taken so as to ensure that the rabbits have access to shelter from the weather, including direct sunlight. (This note is not part of the Regulations)

These Regulations, which apply in relation to Wales, substantially replace (with amendments):

The Welfare of Farmed Animals (Wales) Regulations 2001 (SI 2001/2682 (W.223));

The Welfare of Farmed Animals (Wales) (Amendment) Regulations 2002 (SI 2002/1898 (W.199));

The Welfare of Farmed Animals (Wales) (Amendment) Regulations 2003 (SI 2003/1726 (W.189)); and

Section 7 of the Agriculture (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1968.

The above legislation will be repealed at the same time as these Regulations come into force.

These Regulations implement Community legislation which had previously been implemented in the three Regulations mentioned above (SI 2001/2682 (W.223); 2002/1898 (W.199) and 2003/1726 (W.189)). The Community legislation which these Regulations continue to implement is—

Council Directive 98/58/EC concerning the protection of animals kept for farming purposes;

Council Directive 99/74/EC laying down minimum standards for the protection of laying hens;

Council Directive 91/629/EEC laying down minimum standards for the protection of calves, as amended by Council Directive 97/2/EC and Commission decision 97/182/EC ; and

Council Directive 91/630/EEC laying down minimum standards for the protection of pigs, as amended by Council Directive 2001/88/EC and Council Directive 2001/93/EC.

These Regulations (and the Community legislation which they implement) reflect the obligations contained in the European Convention for the Protection of Animals kept for Farming Purposes of 10th March 1976 (European Treaty series No 98), as read with the Protocol of Amendment to the European Convention for the Protection of Animals kept for Farming Purposes of 6th February 1992 (European Treaty Series No. 145).

The Regulations are made under section 12(1), (2) and (3) of the Animal Welfare Act 2006 and apply to all animals kept for farming purposes, subject to certain limited exceptions set out in regulation 3(2).

Regulation 4(1) lays down the general principle that persons responsible for farmed animals must take reasonable steps to ensure that the animals are kept in conditions complying with Schedule 1. This principle applies to all vertebrate animals (other than man) which are bred or kept for the production of food, wool or skin or other farming purposes, but does not include fishes, reptiles or amphibians.

A “person responsible” for an animal takes its meaning from section 3 of the Animal Welfare Act 2006, which includes a person responsible for an animal on a permanent or temporary basis, a person who is in charge of an animal, an owner of an animal and a person responsible for a child under the age of 16 years who has actual care and control of an animal.

The Regulations provide for the conditions under which all farmed animals must be kept (regulation 4(1) and Schedule 1) and for specific additional conditions applying to the following farmed animals— laying hens in establishments with 350 or more laying hens, kept in— non-cage systems (regulation 5(1) (b) and Schedule 2); conventional (battery) cages (regulation 5(1) (b) and Schedule 3); enriched cages (regulation 5(1) (b) and Schedule 4); all cage and non-cage systems (regulation 5(1) (b) and Schedule 5); laying hens, whether or not in establishments with 350 or more hens (regulation 5(1)(a)); calves (regulation 5(1) (c) and Schedule 6); cattle (regulation 5(1) (d) and Schedule 7); pigs (regulation 5(1) (e) and Schedule 8); and rabbits (regulation 5(1) (f) and Schedule 9).

Conventional or battery cage systems cannot be built or used for the first time (paragraph 8 of Schedule 3) and are prohibited on and after 1 January 2012 (paragraph 9 of Schedule 3).

Regulation 6 imposes obligations on persons responsible for farmed animals to be acquainted with and have access to codes of practice while attending to animals and ensure that employees have the same knowledge and access.

Regulation 7(a) makes it an offence for a person responsible for a farmed animal, without lawful authority or excuse, not to comply with either the general duty to comply with Schedule 1 or any of the additional duties to comply with Schedules 2 to 9, as applicable. It also creates an offence if any of the duties in respect of codes of practice in regulation 6 are not met.

An offence is committed under regulation 7(b) where a false record is made or false information is given.

The maximum penalty for an offence under regulation 7(a) or (b) is 6 months imprisonment and/or a fine at level 4 on the standard scale (currently £2,500). When section 281(5) of the Criminal Justice Act 2003 comes into force, the maximum imprisonment will increase to 51 weeks.

A regulatory impact assessment has been prepared. Copies may be obtained from the Office of the Chief Veterinary Officer, the Welsh Assembly Government, Cathays Park, Cardiff, CF10 3NQ.

2006 c. 45. Functions conferred on the National Assembly for Wales are exercisable by the Welsh Ministers by virtue of paragraph 30 of and Schedule 11 to the Government of Wales Act 2006. OJ No L203, 3.8.99, p 53 OJ No L340, 11.12.91, p 28 OJ No L25, 28.1.97, p 24 OJ No L76, 18.3.97, p 30 OJ No L221, 8.8.98, p 23 1968 c. 34. 2003 c. 44. OJ No L125, 23.5.96, p.3. 1968 c. 34. OJ No L221, 8.8.98, p.23 OJ No. L203, 3.8.99, p53 OJ No. L340. 11.12.91, p28 OJ No. L25, 28.1.97, p24 OJ No. L76, 24.2.97, p30 OJ No. L340, 11.12.91, p33 OJ No. L316, 1.12.2001 OJ No. L316, 1.12.2001, p36 2006 c. 45. 2003 c. 44. Word in Sch. 1 para. 7(b)(ii) omitted (10.11.2010) by virtue of The Welfare of Farmed Animals (Wales) (Amendment) Regulations 2010 (S.I. 2010/2713), regs. 1, 7(c)(i)Sch. 4 para. 2 in force at 24.10.2007, see reg. 1Sch. 1 para. 30 in force at 24.10.2007, see reg. 1Sch. 3 para. 7 in force at 24.10.2007, see reg. 1Sch. 8 para. 16 in force at 24.10.2007, see reg. 1Words in reg. 2(1) inserted (10.11.2010) by The Welfare of Farmed Animals (Wales) (Amendment) Regulations 2010 (S.I. 2010/2713), regs. 1, 3(1)(c)Sch. 6 para. 1 in force at 24.10.2007, see reg. 1Sch. 6 para. 13 in force at 24.10.2007, see reg. 1Sch. 8 para. 31 in force at 24.10.2007, see reg. 1Sch. 6 para. 4 in force at 24.10.2007, see reg. 1Sch. 6 para. 3 in force at 24.10.2007, see reg. 1Sch. 8 para. 41 in force at 24.10.2007, see reg. 1Word in reg. 2(2) omitted (17.12.2018) by virtue of The Environment, Planning and Rural Affairs (Miscellaneous Amendments) (Wales) Regulations 2018 (S.I. 2018/1216), regs. 1(3), 33(b)Sch. 3 para. 6 in force at 24.10.2007, see reg. 1Sch. 8 para. 12 in force at 24.10.2007, see reg. 1Reg. 7 renumbered as reg. 7(1) (10.11.2010) by The Welfare of Farmed Animals (Wales) (Amendment) Regulations 2010 (S.I. 2010/2713), regs. 1, 6(1)Sch. 2 para. 3 in force at 24.10.2007, see reg. 1Sch. 8 para. 35 in force at 24.10.2007, see reg. 1Sch. 1 para. 2 in force at 24.10.2007, see reg. 1Sch. 8 para. 36 in force at 24.10.2007, see reg. 1Sch. 2 para. 6 in force at 24.10.2007, see reg. 1Sch. 1 para. 16 in force at 24.10.2007, see reg. 1Words in reg. 5(1)(a) inserted (10.11.2010) by The Welfare of Farmed Animals (Wales) (Amendment) Regulations 2010 (S.I. 2010/2713), regs. 1, 4(1)Reg. 6 in force at 24.10.2007, see reg. 1Sch. 1 para. 1 in force at 24.10.2007, see reg. 1Sch. 8 para. 26 in force at 24.10.2007, see reg. 1Sch. 5A inserted (10.11.2010) by The Welfare of Farmed Animals (Wales) (Amendment) Regulations 2010 (S.I. 2010/2713), regs. 1, 8, Sch.Sch. 3 para. 4 in force at 24.10.2007, see reg. 1Sch. 5 para. 2 in force at 24.10.2007, see reg. 1Sch. 5 para. 7 in force at 24.10.2007, see reg. 1Word in Sch. 1 para. 7(b)(iii) omitted (10.11.2010) by virtue of The Welfare of Farmed Animals (Wales) (Amendment) Regulations 2010 (S.I. 2010/2713), regs. 1, 7(c)(ii)Sch. 8 para. 13 in force at 24.10.2007, see reg. 1Sch. 5 para. 6 in force at 24.10.2007, see reg. 1Sch. 3 para. 5 in force at 24.10.2007, see reg. 1Sch. 1 para. 8 in force at 24.10.2007, see reg. 1Sch. 1 para. 5 in force at 24.10.2007, see reg. 1Sch. 3 para. 1 in force at 24.10.2007, see reg. 1Sch. 8 para. 42 in force at 24.10.2007, see reg. 1Sch. 2 para. 8 in force at 24.10.2007, see reg. 1Reg. 1 in force at 24.10.2007, see reg. 1Sch. 1 para. 6 in force at 24.10.2007, see reg. 1Reg. 7 in force at 24.10.2007, see reg. 1Sch. 8 para. 14 in force at 24.10.2007, see reg. 1Sch. 8 para. 9 in force at 24.10.2007, see reg. 1Sch. 8 para. 28 in force at 24.10.2007, see reg. 1Sch. 2 para. 9 in force at 24.10.2007, see reg. 1Sch. 9 para. 2 in force at 24.10.2007, see reg. 1Words in reg. 2(1) inserted (10.11.2010) by The Welfare of Farmed Animals (Wales) (Amendment) Regulations 2010 (S.I. 2010/2713), regs. 1, 3(1)(d)(i)Reg. 2 in force at 24.10.2007, see reg. 1Sch. 1 para. 25 in force at 24.10.2007, see reg. 1Sch. 8 para. 11 in force at 24.10.2007, see reg. 1Sch. 6 para. 6 in force at 24.10.2007, see reg. 1Sch. 1 para. 22 in force at 24.10.2007, see reg. 1Reg. 5(1)(ba) inserted (10.11.2010) by The Welfare of Farmed Animals (Wales) (Amendment) Regulations 2010 (S.I. 2010/2713), regs. 1, 4(2)Reg. 8 in force at 24.10.2007, see reg. 1Sch. 1 para. 7 in force at 24.10.2007, see reg. 1Sch. 8 para. 40 in force at 24.10.2007, see reg. 1Sch. 8 para. 38 in force at 24.10.2007, see reg. 1Reg. 7(2) added (10.11.2010) by The Welfare of Farmed Animals (Wales) (Amendment) Regulations 2010 (S.I. 2010/2713), regs. 1, 6(2)Words in reg. 2(2)(a) substituted (17.12.2018) by The Environment, Planning and Rural Affairs (Miscellaneous Amendments) (Wales) Regulations 2018 (S.I. 2018/1216), regs. 1(3), 33(a)Sch. 7 para. 1 in force at 24.10.2007, see reg. 1Sch. 8 para. 34 in force at 24.10.2007, see reg. 1Sch. 1 para. 2(3)(aa) inserted (10.11.2010) by The Welfare of Farmed Animals (Wales) (Amendment) Regulations 2010 (S.I. 2010/2713), regs. 1, 7(a)Sch. 8 para. 29 in force at 24.10.2007, see reg. 1Sch. 1 para. 26 in force at 24.10.2007, see reg. 1Sch. 6 para. 9 in force at 24.10.2007, see reg. 1Sch. 8 para. 24 in force at 24.10.2007, see reg. 1Sch. 1 para. 19 in force at 24.10.2007, see reg. 1Words in reg. 2(1) inserted (10.11.2010) by The Welfare of Farmed Animals (Wales) (Amendment) Regulations 2010 (S.I. 2010/2713), regs. 1, 3(1)(b)Sch. 6 para. 8 in force at 24.10.2007, see reg. 1Sch. 1 para. 27 in force at 24.10.2007, see reg. 1Sch. 1 para. 13 in force at 24.10.2007, see reg. 1Sch. 8 para. 6 in force at 24.10.2007, see reg. 1Sch. 8 para. 39 in force at 24.10.2007, see reg. 1Reg. 9 in force at 24.10.2007, see reg. 1Sch. 5 para. 5 in force at 24.10.2007, see reg. 1Sch. 8 para. 43 in force at 24.10.2007, see reg. 1Sch. 5 para. 4 in force at 24.10.2007, see reg. 1Sch. 6 para. 12 in force at 24.10.2007, see reg. 1Sch. 4 para. 3 in force at 24.10.2007, see reg. 1Sch. 2 para. 7 in force at 24.10.2007, see reg. 1Sch. 5 para. 3 in force at 24.10.2007, see reg. 1Words in Sch. 5A para. 1 substituted (31.1.2020) by The Official Controls (Animals, Feed and Food, Plant Health Fees etc.) (Wales) Regulations 2020 (S.I. 2020/44), regs. 1(2), 22(2)(a)(i)Sch. 6 para. 11 in force at 24.10.2007, see reg. 1Sch. 8 para. 10 in force at 24.10.2007, see reg. 1Words in reg. 2(1) inserted (10.11.2010) by The Welfare of Farmed Animals (Wales) (Amendment) Regulations 2010 (S.I. 2010/2713), regs. 1, 3(1)(a)Sch. 3 para. 8 in force at 24.10.2007, see reg. 1Sch. 8 para. 20 in force at 24.10.2007, see reg. 1Sch. 3 para. 2 in force at 24.10.2007, see reg. 1Words in Sch. 5A para. 2(2) substituted (31.12.2020) by The Animal Health and Welfare (Miscellaneous Amendments) (Wales) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/684), regs. 1(2), 4(3)(b); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)Sch. 8 para. 1 in force at 24.10.2007, see reg. 1Reg. 5A inserted (10.11.2010) by The Welfare of Farmed Animals (Wales) (Amendment) Regulations 2010 (S.I. 2010/2713), regs. 1, 5Sch. 2 para. 4 in force at 24.10.2007, see reg. 1Words in Sch. 1 para. 5 inserted (10.11.2010) by The Welfare of Farmed Animals (Wales) (Amendment) Regulations 2010 (S.I. 2010/2713), regs. 1, 7(b)Sch. 1 para. 21 in force at 24.10.2007, see reg. 1Sch. 8 para. 22 in force at 24.10.2007, see reg. 1Sch. 8 para. 7 in force at 24.10.2007, see reg. 1Reg. 4 in force at 24.10.2007, see reg. 1Reg. 2(2)(aa) inserted (10.11.2010) by The Welfare of Farmed Animals (Wales) (Amendment) Regulations 2010 (S.I. 2010/2713), regs. 1, 3(2)Sch. 1 para. 11 in force at 24.10.2007, see reg. 1Sch. 1 para. 4 in force at 24.10.2007, see reg. 1Sch. 1 para. 24 in force at 24.10.2007, see reg. 1Sch. 1 para. 17 in force at 24.10.2007, see reg. 1Sch. 1 para. 10 in force at 24.10.2007, see reg. 1Reg. 5 in force at 24.10.2007, see reg. 1Sch. 1 para. 7(b)(iiia) inserted (10.11.2010) by The Welfare of Farmed Animals (Wales) (Amendment) Regulations 2010 (S.I. 2010/2713), regs. 1, 7(c)(iii)Sch. 4 para. 4 in force at 24.10.2007, see reg. 1Words in Sch. 5A para. 1 inserted (31.1.2020) by The Official Controls (Animals, Feed and Food, Plant Health Fees etc.) (Wales) Regulations 2020 (S.I. 2020/44), regs. 1(2), 22(2)(a)(iii)Sch. 6 para. 10 in force at 24.10.2007, see reg. 1Sch. 8 para. 21 in force at 24.10.2007, see reg. 1Sch. 2 para. 5 in force at 24.10.2007, see reg. 1Sch. 8 para. 32 in force at 24.10.2007, see reg. 1Sch. 7 para. 2 in force at 24.10.2007, see reg. 1Sch. 2 para. 2 in force at 24.10.2007, see reg. 1Sch. 1 para. 14 in force at 24.10.2007, see reg. 1Sch. 1 para. 15 in force at 24.10.2007, see reg. 1Reg. 3 in force at 24.10.2007, see reg. 1Sch. 1 para. 18 in force at 24.10.2007, see reg. 1Sch. 6 para. 5 in force at 24.10.2007, see reg. 1Sch. 8 para. 23 in force at 24.10.2007, see reg. 1Sch. 8 para. 8 in force at 24.10.2007, see reg. 1Sch. 2 para. 1 in force at 24.10.2007, see reg. 1Sch. 8 para. 19 in force at 24.10.2007, see reg. 1Sch. 8 para. 5 in force at 24.10.2007, see reg. 1Sch. 8 para. 27 in force at 24.10.2007, see reg. 1Sch. 4 para. 5 in force at 24.10.2007, see reg. 1Sch. 3 para. 3 in force at 24.10.2007, see reg. 1Sch. 1 para. 29 in force at 24.10.2007, see reg. 1Words in Sch. 1 para. 27(2) substituted (31.12.2020) by The Animal Health and Welfare (Miscellaneous Amendments) (Wales) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/684), regs. 1(2), 4(2); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)Words in reg. 2(1) inserted (10.11.2010) by The Welfare of Farmed Animals (Wales) (Amendment) Regulations 2010 (S.I. 2010/2713), regs. 1, 3(1)(d)(ii)Sch. 8 para. 30 in force at 24.10.2007, see reg. 1Sch. 5 para. 1 in force at 24.10.2007, see reg. 1Sch. 1 para. 3 in force at 24.10.2007, see reg. 1Sch. 8 para. 4 in force at 24.10.2007, see reg. 1Sch. 6 para. 7 in force at 24.10.2007, see reg. 1Sch. 4 para. 1 in force at 24.10.2007, see reg. 1Sch. 6 para. 2 in force at 24.10.2007, see reg. 1Sch. 8 para. 15 in force at 24.10.2007, see reg. 1Sch. 8 para. 3 in force at 24.10.2007, see reg. 1Sch. 7 para. 3 in force at 24.10.2007, see reg. 1Sch. 1 para. 12 in force at 24.10.2007, see reg. 1Words in Sch. 5A para. 1 inserted (28.3.2019) by The Rural Affairs, Environment, Fisheries and Food (Miscellaneous Amendments and Revocations) (Wales) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/463), regs. 1(3), 9(a)Sch. 1 para. 23 in force at 24.10.2007, see reg. 1Words in reg. 2(2)(c) substituted (17.12.2018) by The Environment, Planning and Rural Affairs (Miscellaneous Amendments) (Wales) Regulations 2018 (S.I. 2018/1216), regs. 1(3), 33(c)Sch. 8 para. 2 in force at 24.10.2007, see reg. 1Sch. 1 para. 20 in force at 24.10.2007, see reg. 1Words in Sch. 5A para. 15(1) substituted (31.1.2020) by The Official Controls (Animals, Feed and Food, Plant Health Fees etc.) (Wales) Regulations 2020 (S.I. 2020/44), regs. 1(2), 22(2)(b)Reg. 5(4) inserted (10.11.2010) by The Welfare of Farmed Animals (Wales) (Amendment) Regulations 2010 (S.I. 2010/2713), regs. 1, 4(3)Sch. 8 para. 33 in force at 24.10.2007, see reg. 1Words in reg. 2(1) substituted (10.11.2010) by The Welfare of Farmed Animals (Wales) (Amendment) Regulations 2010 (S.I. 2010/2713), regs. 1, 3(1)(b)Sch. 8 para. 37 in force at 24.10.2007, see reg. 1Sch. 8 para. 18 in force at 24.10.2007, see reg. 1Words in Sch. 5A para. 1 omitted (31.1.2020) by virtue of The Official Controls (Animals, Feed and Food, Plant Health Fees etc.) (Wales) Regulations 2020 (S.I. 2020/44), regs. 1(2), 22(2)(a)(ii)Sch. 3 para. 9 in force at 24.10.2007, see reg. 1Sch. 9 para. 1 in force at 24.10.2007, see reg. 1Sch. 4 para. 6 in force at 24.10.2007, see reg. 1Sch. 5A para. 2(1)(1A) substituted for Sch. 5A para. 2(1) (31.12.2020) by The Animal Health and Welfare (Miscellaneous Amendments) (Wales) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/684), regs. 1(2), 4(3)(a); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)Sch. 8 para. 17 in force at 24.10.2007, see reg. 1Sch. 1 para. 9 in force at 24.10.2007, see reg. 1Sch. 8 para. 25 in force at 24.10.2007, see reg. 1Sch. 1 para. 28 in force at 24.10.2007, see reg. 1