Guidance for the handling of poultry at markets
(for Scotland)
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The Welfare of Animals (Transport) (Scotland) Regulations 2006 and The Welfare of Animals at Markets Order 1990 require poultry to be handled and transported in a specific way, including not leaving them for long in warm vehicles, ensuing there are rigid containers to separate and support the poultry, not overcrowding the container, and ensuring there is enough air to the containers. Poultry should be handled by using both hands, and enclosing the birds wings.
Poultry should never be carried by the head, neck, wing or tail, be placed in a sack or be held head downwards. Transport of poultry over 65km and less than eight hours requires the transporter to be authorised and an animal transport certificate must be filled in for each journey - there are different rules for journeys over eight hours.
