85. Mutilations can cause considerable pain and therefore constitute a major welfare insult to farm animals. They are undesirable in principle and producers should consider carefully the necessity of performing any mutilations on broiler breeders. However, we recognise that there are systems where certain procedures, which we would class as mutilations, may be necessary to avoid worse welfare problems. If mutilations of these are performed they must be carried out in a manner which minimises pain and distress to the bird. High standards of hygiene are essential. In this study we have considered beak trimming, dubbing, despurring, declawing and toe removal.
86. We were informed that some mutilations are undertaken by breeding companies in the hatchery at the request of customers outside the UK. They may be carried out to aid identification or to enable birds to be kept in systems which, in terms of animal welfare, have design or management shortcomings. Routine performance of mutilations for such purposes is unacceptable. Breeding companies in the UK have told us that they try to minimise performance of these operations but there is room for improvement. These companies should not carry out routine mutilations at the request of customers and should instead emphasise that such operations are not necessary.
87. Where mutilations are deemed necessary, they must be carried out in accordance with the law and by trained, competent staff.