Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
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Mutilations (Permitted Procedures) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2008 come into force
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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