Code of Welfare and Husbandry for Falconry

Falconers should be encouraged not only to ‘meet’ the expectations of good welfare, but to exceed them wherever possible. In the UK welfare is covered in law by the Animal Welfare Act 2006. The ‘Five Freedoms’, superseded recently with the ‘Five Provisions’, are often cited as assessment criteria to ensure opportunities for animals to ‘thrive’, not simply ‘survive’.

An understanding of the law and requirements will help the falconer think about the welfare of their birds and ensure the highest standards are met. It is the responsibility of the falconer to ensure they keep up to date with amendments to the various laws (and regional differences) and not rely on this document.

This document demonstrates where good welfare must be met, but it is not an exhaustive list, nor is it prescriptive in what ‘must’ be done by the falconer. There is no ‘one size fits all’ when it comes to welfare. This is designed as a practical means for the falconer to not only assess the welfare of his bird but help tailor it to the individual.

Legislation – Animal Welfare Act 2006

The Animal Welfare Act 2006 describes the following ‘needs’ to be met by good practice:

• Suitable environment
• Suitable diet
• Exhibit normal behaviour patterns
• Protected from pain, suffering, injury and disease
• Need to be housed with, or apart from, other animals

Five Provisions and Welfare Aims

Welfare is something an animal experiences. The Five Provisions of welfare set out ways to maximise positive and minimise negative experiences to encourage animals to thrive:

• Good nutrition — Access to fresh water/diet to maintain full health and vigour
• Good environment — Including comfort
• Good health — By preventing or treating disease and injury
• Appropriate behaviour — By providing sufficient space, proper facilities, and company of the animal’s own kind
• Positive mental experience — By promoting positive experiences and minimizing negative experiences

The following guidance is based on these provisions and aims.

1. Access to clean water for drinking and bathing

Birds should have access to clean water for drinking and bathing. Bathing is a natural behaviour. Where possible, provide opportunities for bathing in a safe way, and ensure water is fresh and clean.

2. Suitable diet and appropriate feeding

Ensure a suitable, balanced diet and appropriate feeding routine for the species and individual bird. Food should be of good quality, stored appropriately, and offered in a manner that supports health, body condition, and natural behaviour.

3. Health

Birds should be monitored for signs of illness or injury. Body condition, weight, behaviour and feather condition are key welfare indicators. Damaged feathers may indicate handling or husbandry issues and should be investigated. If a bird is sick or injured, prompt veterinary attention should be sought. Register your birds with a local avian veterinary surgeon before emergencies arise.

4. Husbandry to allow natural behaviour / maintain health and mental wellbeing

Tethering: Birds should only be tethered whilst in training, being flown on a regular basis, or undergoing veterinary care. Birds should be flown regularly to maintain physical and mental health. Perches should be of suitable design to allow normal behaviour without promoting injury (e.g. from bating). Use appropriate materials to prevent equipment failure and loss of the bird, ideally housing within a secure enclosure to prevent loss and protect from predators/humans. Perches should be appropriately positioned and manufactured to ensure safety and health at all times.

Housing: Accommodation whilst tethered or free-lofted should protect the hawk from adverse weather and provide protection from injury from other animals/people. Accommodation should allow for clear observation whilst preventing escape and injury.

5. Safe and comfortable furniture

Perches, blocks, bow perches and other equipment should be safe, appropriate for the bird, and maintained in good condition. Equipment should be checked regularly to minimise risk of injury.

6. Training to reduce stress

Training should be undertaken in a way that minimises stress and supports welfare. Birds should be habituated gradually to equipment and handling. Training methods should be humane, consistent, and appropriate to the individual.

7. Adequately trained to ensure return upon free flight and appropriate precautions

Free flight should occur only in places where landowner permission has been granted. Steps should be taken to avoid the general public where possible to minimise risk of incident. It is recommended that people undertaking free flight with birds of prey acquire third-party liability insurance. The environment should be assessed for safety risks and precautions taken to avoid these as far as possible.

8. Transport

Transport should be undertaken with appropriate equipment that keeps the bird safe and secure, minimises stress, and prevents injury. Ensure adequate ventilation, appropriate temperature, and minimise transit time where possible.

9. Law

Falconers should remain compliant with all relevant UK and regional legislation, and keep up to date with changes (including DEFRA guidance and any current avian influenza measures).