BEAK-TRIMMING OF LAYING HENS

Early day motion 92, tabled 18 November 2009 by Gwyn Prosser (Labour). Signed by 232 members.

That this House is opposed to any dilution or postponement of the ban on the beak-trimming of laying hens which was introduced in 2002 and is due to come into force on 1 January 2011; notes that a postponement of the ban is unnecessary as scientific research shows that the correct way to prevent feather pecking and cannibalism is not to beak-trim the hens but to keep them in good conditions and to select birds that are less prone to feather pecking and cannibalism; is opposed not just to traditional beak-trimming with a hot blade but also to the newly developed infra-red method, as research shows that infra-red trimming can result in acute pain and involves the loss of part of the beak, which is a key sensory organ for hens; and calls on the Government to adhere to the 2011 commencement date for the ban on beak-trimming.

Signatures by party: Labour 132, Liberal Democrat 56, Conservative 24, DUP 5, Scottish National Party 5, Independent 4, Plaid Cymru 2, Social Democratic and Labour Party 2, Independent Labour 1, Respect 1.