SHILLONG:
The East Khasi Hills district administration has issued an advisory in regard to handling and transport of live birds meant to be culled for meat.
Accordingly, it has said that no person shall handle poultry by dragging along the ground or by the head and wings.
Besides, it has prohibited tying any poultry by neck, legs or wing or carried upside down.
As for the cages or enclosures where poultry is kept, their design should be such to enable the poultry to stand, lie down, spread wings and turn around and make normal postural adjustment in their natural position; overcrowding should be avoided.
The cages or enclosure should have doors of sufficient size to enable the poultry to be placed in and removed without causing any discomfort, injury, pain or suffering. Also, these should be provided with adequate quantity of feed and wholesome water as often as necessary ; the cage or enclosure should have proper light, ventilation and protection from rain, heat and cold air.
TRANSPORTATIONÂ
The poultry to be transported shall be in good health and the container shall be properly cleaned and sterilised before they are placed inside.
Besides, the container shall have adequate space to avoid overcrowding in the corners and shall be made of such materials which shall not collapse or crumble. It should have proper ventilation;
poultry shall be properly fed and watered before it is placed in the container for transportation and extra feed and water shall be provided in suitable trough fixed in the container and the container shall be properly secured to avoid pilferage.