Council urges bird keepers to be aware of new requirements
The Council is urging people to be aware that new compulsory housing requirements have been introduced for poultry and captive birds in Wales.
It is now a legal requirement for all keepers to keep their birds indoors or otherwise separated from wild birds. Bird keepers are encouraged to prepare for the new measures, making sure housing is suitable, with the housed environment enhanced to help protect bird welfare.
Keepers should consult their vet for advice where needed and are being encouraged to register their birds with the proper authorities.
Councillor Win Mullen-James, Lead Member for Local Development and Planning said: “These measures are crucially important to help prevent the spread. We encourage bird keepers to read up on the latest guidance to keep their flock and others safe this Winter.
“Registering your birds is vital, even if you keep only a small flock”.
There is a self-assessment checklist that poultry keepers can undertake themselves to check what they have in place and you can download it here.
To register your birds, go to: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/poultry-registration or call the GB Poultry register Helpline on 0800 634 1112.
To report and dispose of dead birds, please call the Defra helpline on 03459 33 55 77 if you find one or more dead bird of prey or owl; three or more dead gulls or wild waterfowl (swans, geese and ducks) or five or more dead birds of any specifies.
Please also contact the Natural Resources Wales helpline on 0300 065 3000. People are advised not to touch or pick up any dead or visibly sick wild birds they find. Any sick or injured birds found should be reported to the RSPCA on 0300 1234 999 who may be able to offer assistance.
