Poultry
The welfare of poultry in NSW is protected by legislation and supporting Codes and Standards.
To learn more about the exhibition and display of poultry visit Zoo, circus and other exhibited animals.
To learn more about the use of poultry in research and teaching visit Animals in research and teaching.
Standards, Guidelines and Codes of Practice
Mandatory
The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Regulation 2012 provides minimum requirements for laying fowl.
The following documents are prescribed under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1979 (POCTA). It is a requirement that people involved in the care and welfare of poultry must comply with these documents.
Evidentiary
The documents listed below are prescribed under POCTA. Although they are not mandatory, they may be used as evidence of an offence in court proceedings.
Other resources
Additional information about the care and welfare of poultry is listed below.
National Standards and Guidelines for Poultry
Australian Animal Welfare Standards and Guidelines for Poultry
The NSW Government is committed to the national process for the development of nationally-consistent animal welfare standards and guidelines.
The Australian Animal Welfare Standards and Guidelines for Poultry (Poultry S&Gs) have been published on the Commonwealth Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry website.
The Commonwealth, States and Territories have agreed to release the Poultry S&Gs, with each State and Territory to consider implementation options during 2022, with further discussions by all Ministers to occur in early 2023.
The NSW Government will consider the Poultry S&Gs consistent with the NSW legislative and policy frameworks and processes, which includes consultation with stakeholders.
Further information on the national process for developing the Australian Animal Welfare Standards and Guidelines for Poultry is also available on the Australian Animal Welfare Standards and Guidelines website.
