Explanatory note

These Regulations amend the Welfare of Farmed Animals (Wales) Regulations 2001 (S.I. 2001/2682 (W.223)) in order to implement:—

Council Directive 2001/88/EC amending Directive 91/630/EEC laying down minimum standards for the protection of pigs (OJ No. L 316, 1.12.2001, p.1), and

Commission Directive 2001/93/EC amending Directive 91/630/EEC laying down minimum standards for the protection of pigs (OJ No. L 340, 11.12.1991, p. 33).

All the amendments have been incorporated into a new Schedule 6 inserted by these Regulations which lays down standards for keeping pigs and deals first with standards applicable to all pigs and then with different types of pig in turn (Parts II-VI).

In respect of those holdings that are newly built or rebuilt or brought into use for the first time after 1st January 2003, all the provisions contained in the Regulations will apply.

In respect of those holdings that are already in use on that date, certain provisions will not apply immediately. These are set out in Regulation 2.

The main changes introduced by these Regulations are as follows.

The Regulations introduce a duty on the person who employs or engages persons to care for pigs to ensure that they have received instructions and guidance on these Regulations. This duty is an addition to the duty contained in regulation 10 of the Welfare of Farmed Animals (Wales) Regulations 2001 to ensure that the person attending to the animals is acquainted with the welfare code, has access to a copy and has received instruction and guidance on the codes.

Additional requirements for accommodation are introduced by paragraph 6 of part II.

Paragraph 8 of Part II changes the requirement for lighting. This should be read in conjunction with paragraph 16 of Schedule 1 to the Welfare of Farmed Animals (Wales) Regulations 2001 and with the welfare code.

The Regulations introduce maximum widths of openings and minimum slat widths for concrete slatted floors. This provision will not apply to existing holdings until 2013.

The Regulations introduce more detailed provisions relating to environmental enrichment for pigs.

A prohibition on constant or sudden noise or noise above 85dBA is introduced.

Paragraphs 20-26 of Part II introduce more detailed provisions relating to surgical interventions such as tail docking and tooth clipping.

Boar pens used for natural service must have a minimum unobstructed floor area of 10m². This provision will not apply to existing holdings until 2005.

The Regulations introduce a requirement for sows and gilts to be group housed.

Paragraphs 37-39 of Part IV introduce requirements for floor areas for sows and gilts. These provisions will not apply to existing holdings until 2013.

The Regulations increase the minimum weaning age for piglets from 21 to 28 days except for those using all-in-all-out production systems.

A regulatory appraisal has been prepared and is available on the National Assembly for Wales web-site – www.wales.gov.uk. Copies can be obtained from the Welsh Assembly Government, Animal Health Division, Crown Buildings, Cathays Park, Cardiff, CF10 3NQ.