Poultry Improvement
The Poultry Improvement Act (Northern Ireland) 1968 grants the Department of Agriculture powers to support the poultry industry’s development, enhance profitability and product quality, promote the breeding and distribution of healthy stocks of high quality, and aid the adjustment of poultry production to economic and technical changes.
No person shall operate a hatchery or an incubator on premises for the production or use premises for the sale, supply, or distribution of eggs for hatching, or for rearing poultry for sale, supply, and distribution before the age of six months, unless they hold a licence from the Department of Agriculture.
The provisions regarding incubators do not apply to premises operated for the purpose of supplying stock solely for the operator’s business if no other activities involve the sale, supply, or distribution of eggs or rearing poultry for sale or distribution.
The provision concerning the rearing of poultry for sale, supply, and distribution does not apply when the premises from which they are sold, supplied, or distributed are intended for immediate slaughter.
Exemptions may be granted for premises intended for displaying poultry. Licences may be issued subject to conditions.
Upon application for a licence for premises where the above activities are conducted, the Ministry shall provide a licence known as a “poultry stock licence,” authorising the holder to engage in such activities. Conditions may be imposed on these licences, including the class or description of poultry to be kept, the handling of eggs, record-keeping for eggs, recording illnesses and deaths among poultry, reporting to the Department, notification of an abnormal number of deaths, and regulations for disposing of carcasses, faeces, and the cleaning and disinfection of plant, equipment, and utensils.
The Minister may establish standards for premises and plant, equipment, and utensils used in connection with the premises. They may require that premises are suitable, structurally sound, and located in positions with access to services and facilities that meet appropriate requirements. The Minister must maintain a register of premises for which poultry stock licences have been issued.
Authorized officers may enter and inspect premises at reasonable times, examine records, take samples, and inspect facilities. It is prohibited for any person to sell or offer for sale, or have in their possession any chicks for the purpose of sale in a shop, market, or any street, highway, or public place.
A person is in violation of the legislation if they contravene its provisions, make false or reckless statements in relation to licences, or obstruct an authorized officer. Before establishing a poultry improvement scheme, regulations, or a poultry testing scheme, the Department is required to consult with appropriate bodies representing relevant interests.