Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if she will review the adequacy of the animal welfare requirements governing the (a) keeping and breeding of ducks and (b) provision of suitable environmental conditions for that activity; and if she will make a statement.

The welfare of ducks is provided for in welfare the general provisions of the Animal Welfare Act 2006 and the Welfare of Farmed Animals (England) Regulations 2007. Defra has a duck code which encourages high standards of husbandry for the keeping and breeding of farmed ducks, including requirements for handling; suitable housing; stocking rates; and the provision of feed and water. The industry also has its own farm assurance schemes which represent the commercial duck farming industry and has specific requirements to ensure the welfare of farmed ducks, as well as protecting their health, hygiene and food safety.