Investigation launches into allegations of animal welfare breaches at Horsham District farm

Officials have launched an investigation into alleged animal welfare breaches at a Horsham district farm.
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The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), part of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, confirmed an investigation is taking place into Kinswood Eggs, near Brooks Green.

An APHA spokesman said: “We are investigating the allegations of animal welfare legislation breaches. Where welfare regulations are breached, appropriate action is taken.

“We do not comment on individual cases.”

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The investigation was started after a video was released by animal protection group Animal Equality, which it said showed birds in poor conditions.

Animal Equality is calling on the Government to ban cages for British hens, which would affect around 16 million hens per year.

The group said it had secretly filmed conditions at the farm, and had passed its footage to Defra and the RSPCA.

In response, an RSPCA spokeswoman said: “The RSPCA does not believe that cages of any kind, even those that are well-managed, can meet the physical and behavioural needs of laying hens and that all farm animals should be reared to higher welfare standards under a higher welfare farm assurance scheme, such as RSPCA Assured.

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“Battery cages provide limited facilities for hens to perch, nest and scratch, and we are particularly concerned that cages don’t allow birds to move around freely and exercise. Further, the birds can’t rest undisturbed nor can they move away from each other properly or perform full dustbathing and foraging behaviours. Not providing for the full behavioural and physical needs of hens can cause frustration and suffering.”

Farms should be inspected thoroughly daily by staff, she added.

The RSPCA spokeswoman said: “We understand that the Animal and Plant Health Agency - an official government body that is fully equipped and resourced to investigate and take action - has been notified of these concerns.

“Anyone with concerns about farm animals can always contact and report these to the RSPCA’s emergency line on 0300 1234 999.”

The County Times contacted Kinswood Eggs regarding the investigation.

In response a spokesman said: “We have had an inspection from Defra and we’re waiting for the report back on that.”