Newmarket Allotment Association

Livestock (Poultry) Code of Practice / Agreement

·          Site Managers are also responsible for overseeing the welfare of Livestock on their sites, alongside the owner.

·          The maximum number of chickens shall be 12.

·          NO chickens to be kept on a plot of less than 10 rod.

·          All tenants wishing to have poultry are expected to have one year’s tenancy prior to applying so that the Association can verify that the person can keep an acceptable level of usage.

·          There are NO cockerels permitted on the sites.

·          A £10 annual fee for vermin control management will be charged.

·          If you see any evidence of vermin such as rats on or near your plots, report to the Site Manager. Tenants are NOT permitted to use any unauthorised poisons. Bait boxes are NOT TO BE REMOVED from the sites. Only the Vermin Control Manager will administer this, who is qualified to handle these substances.

·          Under the new allocation of plots the Association considers that the sites are not suitable for the keeping of rabbits, geese or turkeys. Ducks may be held subject to the agreement of the Site Manager.

·          Section 9 of the Animal Welfare Act 2006 makes owners and keepers legally responsible for ensuring that the welfare needs of the animals are met. Failure to comply with the Act may result in criminal prosecution leading to a fine of up to £5,000 or imprisonment. 

To this end the following should apply:                                          

·          There should be a continuous, ready access to an adequate supply of cool, clean, fresh

         drinking water.

·          There should be the provision of a sufficient quantity of appropriate food to maintain good

          health and satisfy nutritional needs.

·          There should be regular releasing from hen houses during daylight hours and closure at dusk.

·          There should be protection from rodents, pests and predators.

·          There should be continuous access to shelter.

·          There should be a large enough area of clean dry bedding for lying or roosting.

·          There should be adequate space and a suitable environment for exercise, feeding, dunging and natural behaviour.

·          There should be adequate protection from the weather (heat or extreme cold)

·          There should be accommodation designed and maintained so as to avoid injury or distress.

·          There should be fencing (at least 6’ high and 6” below the ground) to protect against predators

          and to ensure that the livestock cannot escape or become trapped.

·          There should be competent care and management from the allotment holder.

·          The birds should be housed, handled and transported in a way which causes minimum stress.

·          There should be at least twice daily visits by a competent person.

To this end the following requirements from the tenant are to be made:

·          The tenant shall give the Site Manager their phone number(s) together with details of any

         deputed assistant(s) in case of absence, along with a signed agreement to act as deputed

         assistant.

·          Any period of absence where a deputy will act should be notified to the Site Manager.

·          Where extreme measures are required, the Site Manager has the right to remove endangered animals to an alternative secure site and within 48 hours notify the holder by telephone at the specified number.

·          The tenant is expected to have knowledge and skills, or access to these, to ensure the physical

          and mental well-being of the livestock/poultry and be able to carry out essential care such as

          worming, nail and wing clipping, lice and mite treatment.

·          The Allotment Association Committee have the right to inspect houses and runs at any time.

         This will be carried out by the Site Manager and at least one other Committee Member. Any adverse findings will be reported to the tenant either verbally or in writing and the fact that such a report has been made shall be given to Committee Members at the next Committee meeting.