The Mutilations (Permitted Procedures) (England) Regulations 2007

Regulation 3

SCHEDULE 1 E+W PERMITTED PROCEDURES

• Cattle

  • Identification Procedures:

    • Ear clipping.

    • Ear notching.

    • Ear tagging.

    • Freeze branding.

    • Micro-chipping.

    • Tattooing.

    • Other methods of identification involving a mutilation required by law.

  • Procedures for the Control of Reproduction:

    • Castration.

    • Embryo collection or transfer by a surgical method.

    • Implantation of a subcutaneous contraceptive.

    • Ovum transplantation, including ovum collection, by a surgical method.

    • Vasectomy.

  • Other Management Procedures:

    • Dehorning.

    • Disbudding.

    • Nose ringing.

    • Removal of supernumerary teats.

• Pigs

  • Identification Procedures:

    • Ear clipping.

    • Ear notching.

    • Ear tagging.

    • Micro-chipping.

    • Tattooing.

    • Other methods of identification involving a mutilation required by law.

  • Procedures for the Control of Reproduction:

    • Castration.

    • Implantation of a subcutaneous contraceptive.

    • Vasectomy.

  • Other Management Procedures:

    • Nose ringing.

    • Tail docking.

    • Tooth reduction.

    • Tusk trimming.

• Birds

  • Identification Procedures:

    • [F1 Micro-chipping.

      Neck tagging.

      Web notching.

      Web tagging.

      Wing tagging.

      Other methods of identification involving a mutilation required by law.]

  • Procedures for the Control of Reproduction:

    • Castration.

    • Implantation of a subcutaneous contraceptive.

    • Ovidectomy.

    • Vasectomy.

  • Other Management Procedures:

    • Beak trimming of poultry.

    • Desnooding.

    • De-toeing of domestic fowl and turkeys.

    • Dubbing.

    • Laparoscopy.

    • Wing pinioning.

• Sheep

  • Identification Procedures:

    • Ear clipping.

    • Ear notching.

    • Ear tagging.

    • Micro-chipping.

    • Tattooing.

    • Other methods of identification involving a mutilation required by law.

  • Procedures for the Control of Reproduction:

    • [F2 Castration.

      Embryo collection or transfer by a surgical method.

      Implantation of a subcutaneous contraceptive.

      Laparoscopic insemination.

      Ovum transplantation, including ovum collection, by a surgical method.

      Vasectomy.]

  • Other Management Procedures:

    • Dehorning.

    • Disbudding.

    • Removal of the insensitive tip of the horn.

    • Tail docking.

• Goats

  • Identification Procedures:

    • Ear clipping.

    • Ear notching.

    • Ear tagging.

    • Micro-chipping.

    • Tattooing.

    • Other methods of identification involving a mutilation required by law.

  • Procedures for the Control of Reproduction:

    • [F3 Castration.

      Embryo collection or transfer by a surgical method.

      Implantation of a subcutaneous contraceptive.

      Laparoscopic insemination.

      Ovum transplantation, including ovum collection, by a surgical method.

      Vasectomy.]

  • Other Management Procedures:

    • Dehorning.

    • Disbudding.

    • Removal of the insensitive tip of the horn.

• Horses

  • Identification Procedures:

    • Freeze branding.

    • Hot branding.

    • Micro-chipping.

    • Tattooing.

    • Other methods of identification involving a mutilation required by law.

  • Procedures for the Control of Reproduction:

    • Castration.

    • Vasectomy.

• Deer

  • Identification Procedures:

    • Ear clipping.

    • Ear notching.

    • Ear tagging.

    • Micro-chipping.

    • Tattooing.

    • Other methods of identification involving a mutilation required by law.

  • Procedures for the Control of Reproduction:

    • Castration.

    • Implantation of a subcutaneous contraceptive.

    • Vasectomy.

  • Other Management Procedures:

    • Removal of antlers that are not in velvet.

• Other species

  • Identification Procedures:

    • Ear clipping.

    • Ear notching.

    • Ear tipping of feral cats.

    • Insertion of subcutaneous tracking devices.

    • Tagging.

    • Chemical branding of fish.

    • Freeze branding of fish.

    • Micro-chipping.

    • Removal or perforation of parts of fishes’ fins, adipose fins or fin rays.

    • Tattooing.

    • Other methods of identification involving a mutilation required by law.

  • Procedures for the Control of Reproduction:

    • Castration.

    • Embryo collection or transfer by a surgical method.

    • Implantation of a subcutaneous contraceptive.

    • Ovum transplantation, including ovum collection, by a surgical method.

    • Spaying.

    • Vasectomy.

  • Other Management Procedures:

    • Laparoscopy.

    • Removal of the dew claws of dogs.

    • Removal of fish scales.

Textual Amendments

F1 Words in Sch. 1 substituted (3.6.2008) by Mutilations (Permitted Procedures) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2008 (S.I. 2008/1426), regs. 1(b), 6(2)

F2 Words in Sch. 1 substituted (3.6.2008) by Mutilations (Permitted Procedures) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2008 (S.I. 2008/1426), regs. 1(b), 6(4)

F3 Words in Sch. 1 substituted (3.6.2008) by Mutilations (Permitted Procedures) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2008 (S.I. 2008/1426), regs. 1(b), 6(3)

Regulation 3

SCHEDULE 2 E+W CATTLE: REQUIREMENTS WHEN CARRYING OUT CERTAIN PERMITTED PROCEDURES

When carried out on cattle, a procedure listed below must be carried out in accordance with the condition or conditions specified for that procedure.

1.

Castration

When the method used is the application of a rubber ring or other device to constrict the flow of blood to the scrotum, the procedure may only be carried out on an animal aged not more than 7 days.

When any other method is used, an anaesthetic must be administered where the animal is aged 2 months or over.

2.

Embryo collection or transfer by a surgical method

An anaesthetic must be administered.

3.

Implantation of a subcutaneous contraceptive

The procedure may not be carried out on a farmed animal.

The procedure may only be carried out as part of a conservation breeding programme.

4.

Ovum transplantation, including ovum collection, by a surgical method

An anaesthetic must be administered.

5.

Vasectomy

An anaesthetic must be administered.

6.

Dehorning

An anaesthetic must be administered.

7.

Disbudding

The procedure may only be carried out on an animal aged not more than 6 months.

When the method used is chemical cauterisation, the procedure may only be carried out on an animal aged not more than 7 days.

When any other method is used an anaesthetic must be administered.

8.

Removal of supernumerary teats

An anaesthetic must be administered where the animal is aged 3 months or over.

Regulation 3

SCHEDULE 3 E+W PIGS: REQUIREMENTS WHEN CARRYING OUT CERTAIN PERMITTED PROCEDURES

When carried out on a pig, a procedure listed below must be carried out in accordance with the condition or conditions specified for that procedure.

1.

Castration

The method used must not involve the tearing of tissues.

An anaesthetic and additional prolonged analgesia must be administered where the animal is aged 7 days or over.

2.

Implantation of a subcutaneous contraceptive

The procedure may not be carried out on a farmed animal.

The procedure may only be carried out as part of a conservation breeding programme.

3.

Vasectomy

An anaesthetic must be administered.

4.

Nose ringing

The procedure may only be carried out on an animal that is not kept continuously in an indoor husbandry system.

5.

Tail docking

The procedure may only be carried out where measures to improve environmental conditions or management systems have first been taken to prevent tail-biting, but there is still evidence to show that injury to pigs’ tails by biting has occurred.

The method used must involve quick and complete severance of the tail.

An anaesthetic and additional prolonged analgesia must be administered where the animal is aged 7 days or over.

6.

Tooth reduction

The procedure may only be carried out on an animal that is aged not more than 7 days.

The procedure must consist only of the uniform reduction of the corner teeth by either grinding or clipping so as to leave an intact smooth surface.

The procedure may only be carried out where measures to improve environmental conditions or management systems have first been taken to prevent tail-biting and other vices, but there is still evidence to show that injury to sows’ teats or to other pigs’ ears or tails by biting has occurred.

7.

Tusk trimming

The procedure may only be carried out where there is evidence to show that it is necessary to prevent injury to other animals or for safety reasons.

Regulation 3

SCHEDULE 4 E+W BIRDS: REQUIREMENTS WHEN CARRYING OUT CERTAIN PERMITTED PROCEDURES

When carried out on a bird, a procedure listed below must be carried out in accordance with the condition or conditions specified for that procedure.

A1.

[F4 All procedures in the section on birds in Schedule 1

[F5 None of the procedures listed in the section on birds in Schedule 1, apart from beak trimming (see paragraph 5), may be performed on–

(1)

conventionally reared meat chickens; or

(2)

a laying hen, or a chick that is intended to become a laying hen, which is kept on an establishment with 350 or more such birds.]

A2.

Neck tagging

The procedure may only be carried out on farmed ducks and only where performed within 36 hours of hatching for the purposes of a breed improvement programme.

A3.

Web notching

The procedure may only be carried out on farmed ducks and only where performed within 36 hours of hatching for the purposes of a breed improvement programme.

A4.

Web tagging

The procedure may only be carried out on farmed birds for the purposes of breed improvement programmes or testing for the presence of disease.

The procedure may only be carried out on birds other than farmed birds for conservation purposes (including education and captive breeding programmes) or for research.

A5.

Wing tagging

The procedure may only be carried out on farmed birds for the purposes of breed improvement programmes or testing for the presence of disease.

The procedure may only be carried out on birds other than farmed birds for conservation purposes (including education and captive breeding programmes) or for research.]

1.

Castration

The procedure may not be carried out on farmed birds.

The procedure may only be carried out as part of a conservation breeding programme.

An anaesthetic must be administered.

2.

Implantation of a subcutaneous contraceptive

The procedure may not be carried out on farmed birds.

The procedure may only be carried out as part of a conservation breeding programme.

3.

Ovidectomy

The procedure may not be carried out on farmed birds.

The procedure may only be carried out as part of a conservation breeding programme.

An anaesthetic must be administered.

4.

Vasectomy

The procedure may not be carried out on farmed birds.

The procedure may only be carried out as part of a conservation breeding programme.

An anaesthetic must be administered.

5.

[F6 Beak trimming of poultry

(1)

For all poultry, the beak trimming procedure must be performed using a suitable instrument.

(2)

For all poultry, any subsequent haemorrhage from the beak must be arrested by cauterisation.

(3)

For all poultry the procedure must be performed on–

(a)

both the upper and lower beaks, with not more than one third of each removed, or

(b)

the upper beak only, with not more than one third removed.

(4)

For laying hens and chicks that are intended to become laying hens, which are kept on establishments with 350 or more such birds, beak trimming–

(a)

may only be performed in order to prevent feather pecking or cannibalism;

(b)

may only be carried out using infra-red technology;

(c)

may not be performed on birds which are aged 10 days or over; and

(d)

must be carried out by a person who has been provided with suitable and sufficient information, instruction and training so that they are qualified to perform the procedure.

(5)

Sub-paragraphs (4)(b) and (c) do not apply where the procedure is carried out in an emergency in order to control an outbreak of feather pecking or cannibalism.

(6)

For conventionally reared meat chickens the procedure—

(a)

may only be performed in order to prevent feather pecking and cannibalism;

(b)

may not be performed on birds which are aged 10 days or over;

(c)

must be carried out by a person who has been provided with suitable and sufficient information, instruction and training so that they are qualified to perform the procedure; and

(d)

must only be carried out following a consultation and on the advice of a veterinarian.]

6.

Desnooding

Where the turkey is aged not more than 21 days, the procedure may be carried out either by manual pinching-out or with a suitable instrument.

7.

De-toeing of domestic fowl and turkeys

The procedure may not be carried out on a bird that is aged 3 days or over unless a veterinary surgeon considers that it is necessary that it be carried out.

An anaesthetic must be administered where the bird is aged 3 days or over.

8.

Dubbing

The procedure may not be carried out on a bird that is aged 3 days or over unless a veterinary surgeon considers that it is necessary that it be carried out.

An anaesthetic must be administered where the bird is aged 3 days or over.

9.

Laparoscopy

An anaesthetic must be administered.

10.

Wing pinioning

The procedure may not be carried out on farmed birds.

An anaesthetic must be administered where the bird is aged 10 days or over.

Textual Amendments

F4 Sch. 4 paras. A1-A5 inserted (3.6.2008) by Mutilations (Permitted Procedures) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2008 (S.I. 2008/1426), regs. 1(b), 7(2)

F5 Sch. 4 para. A1 substituted (23.12.2010) by Mutilations (Permitted Procedures) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2010 (S.I. 2010/3034), regs. 1(b), 2(3)(a)

F6 Sch. 4 para. 5 substituted (23.12.2010) by Mutilations (Permitted Procedures) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2010 (S.I. 2010/3034), regs. 1(b), 2(3)(b)

Regulation 3

SCHEDULE 5 E+W SHEEP: REQUIREMENTS WHEN CARRYING OUT CERTAIN PERMITTED PROCEDURES

When carried out on a sheep, a procedure listed below must be carried out in accordance with the condition or conditions specified for that procedure.

1.

Castration

When the method used is the application of a rubber ring or other device to constrict the flow of blood to the scrotum, the procedure may only be carried out on an animal aged not more than 7 days.

When any other method is used, an anaesthetic must be administered where the animal is aged 3 months or over.

1A.

[F7 Embryo collection or transfer by a surgical method

An anaesthetic must be administered.]

2.

Implantation of a subcutaneous contraceptive

The procedure may not be carried out on a farmed animal.

The procedure may only be carried out as part of a conservation breeding programme.

2A.

[F8 Laparoscopic insemination

The procedure may only be carried out as part of a breed improvement programme.

2B.

Ovum transplantation, including ovum collection, by a surgical method

An anaesthetic must be administered.]

An anaesthetic must be administered.

3.

Vasectomy

An anaesthetic must be administered.

4.

Dehorning

An anaesthetic must be administered.

5.

Tail docking

In all cases, enough of the tail must be retained to cover the vulva of a female animal or the anus of a male animal.

When the method used is the application of a rubber ring or other device to constrict the flow of blood to the tail, the procedure may only be carried out on an animal aged not more than 7 days.

When any other method is used an anaesthetic must be administered.

Textual Amendments

F7 Sch. 5 para. 1A inserted (3.6.2008) by Mutilations (Permitted Procedures) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2008 (S.I. 2008/1426), regs. 1(b), 8(2)

F8 Sch. 5 para. 2A, 2B inserted (3.6.2008) by Mutilations (Permitted Procedures) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2008 (S.I. 2008/1426), regs. 1(b), 8(3)

Regulation 3

SCHEDULE 6 E+W GOATS: REQUIREMENTS WHEN CARRYING OUT CERTAIN PERMITTED PROCEDURES

When carried out on a goat, a procedure listed below must be carried out in accordance with the condition or conditions specified for that procedure.

1.

Castration

When the method used is the application of a rubber ring or other device to constrict the flow of blood to the scrotum, the procedure may only be carried out on an animal aged not more than 7 days.

When any other method is used, an anaesthetic must be administered where the animal is aged 2 months or over.

1A.

[F9 Embryo collection or transfer by a surgical method

An anaesthetic must be administered.]

2.

Implantation of a subcutaneous contraceptive

The procedure may not be carried out on a farmed animal.

The procedure may only be carried out as part of a conservation breeding programme.

2A.

[F10 Laparoscopic insemination

The procedure may only be carried out as part of a breed improvement programme.

An anaesthetic must be administered.

2B.

Ovum transplantation, including ovum collection, by a surgical method

An anaesthetic must be administered.]

3.

Vasectomy

An anaesthetic must be administered.

4.

Dehorning

An anaesthetic must be administered.

Textual Amendments

F9 Sch. 6 para. 1A inserted (3.6.2008) by Mutilations (Permitted Procedures) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2008 (S.I. 2008/1426), regs. 1(b), 9(2)

F10 Sch. 6 para. 2A, 2B inserted (3.6.2008) by Mutilations (Permitted Procedures) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2008 (S.I. 2008/1426), regs. 1(b), 9(3)

Regulation 3

SCHEDULE 7 E+W HORSES: REQUIREMENTS WHEN CARRYING OUT CERTAIN PERMITTED PROCEDURES

When carried out on a horse, a procedure listed below must be carried out in accordance with the condition or conditions specified for that procedure.

1.

Castration

An anaesthetic must be administered.

2.

Vasectomy

An anaesthetic must be administered.

Regulation 3

SCHEDULE 8 E+W DEER: REQUIREMENTS WHEN CARRYING OUT CERTAIN PERMITTED PROCEDURES

When carried out on a deer, a procedure listed below must be carried out in accordance with the condition or conditions specified for that procedure.

1.

Castration

An anaesthetic must be administered.

2.

Implantation of a subcutaneous contraceptive

The procedure may not be carried out on farmed deer.

The procedure may only be carried out as part of a conservation breeding programme.

3.

Vasectomy

An anaesthetic must be administered.

4.

Removal of antlers that are not in velvet

The procedure may only be carried out on farmed deer or deer that are kept on land in the same manner as if they were farmed deer.

Only the non-sensitive part of the antler may be removed.

Regulation 3

SCHEDULE 9 E+W OTHER SPECIES: REQUIREMENTS WHEN CARRYING OUT CERTAIN PERMITTED PROCEDURES

When carried out on an animal other than one dealt with in any of Schedules 2 to 8, a procedure listed below must be carried out in accordance with the condition or conditions specified for that procedure.

1.

Ear tipping of feral cats

An anaesthetic must be administered.

2.

Castration

An anaesthetic must be administered.

3.

Embryo collection or transfer by a surgical method

The procedure may only be carried out as part of a conservation breeding programme.

An anaesthetic must be administered.

4.

Implantation of a subcutaneous contraceptive

The procedure may not be carried out on a farmed animal.

The procedure may only be carried out as part of a conservation breeding programme.

5.

Ovum transplantation, including ovum collection, by a surgical method

The procedure may only be carried out as part of a conservation breeding programme.

An anaesthetic must be administered.

6.

Spaying

An anaesthetic must be administered.

7.

Vasectomy

An anaesthetic must be administered.

8.

Laparoscopy

Where the animal on which the procedure is to be performed is not a reptile, the procedure may only be carried out as part of a conservation breeding programme.

In either case, an anaesthetic must be administered.

9.

Removal of the dew claws of dogs

An anaesthetic must be administered except where the dog is a puppy whose eyes have not yet opened.

10.

Removal of fish scales

The procedure may only be carried out for the purposes of age determination.