Page 5805 - Week 15 - Thursday, 10 December 2009
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the final check inspection requested some further modifications, which have been agreed. Phase two will commence in the near future and progressively address this issue.
(2) The Government has conducted pertinent inspections through the Chief Veterinary Officer (CVO) and maintains regular communication with management. RSPCA inspectors have also conducted investigations during this time period.
(3) Inspections and monitoring of upgrades occurred in accordance with the agreed program. An inspection was conducted in September 2009 with a follow up completion inspection for Phase 1 being conducted in late October 2009. However, a further inspection is now required due to a request for modification. Inspections for phase 2 will be scheduled after destocking and repairs are completed.
(4) Pace Farm far exceeds aspects of the code of practice particularly in the floor area afforded each bird; being an average of 750cm2 rather than the 550cm2 as required under the code. A rolling upgrades program has been implemented to make the necessary cage door modifications needed for code compliance.
(5) Action under the Animal Welfare Act 1992 section 8 (1) could be commenced if a bird was unnecessarily injured during removal from the cage system and a substantive complaint was received by the Department or the RSPCA Inspectorate. It is improbable that a door injury would occur as Pace Farms have reduced the number of birds from four down to two birds in each cage.
(6) Not at this time. Pace have agreed to modify the current cage system to meet the codes requirements and upgrade work is being monitored by the Chief Veterinary Officer. RSPCA inspectors have been invited to be on site to monitor the next destocking of birds and will report any breaches of the Animal Welfare Act 1992.
Horse paddocks—management
(Question No 430)
Ms Le Couteur asked the Minister for Territory and Municipal Services, upon notice, on 18 November 2009:
(1) Does the Government have a plan of management for horse paddocks in the ACT.
(2) How much Government horse paddock space is currently available in the ACT.
(3) By how much has the available Government horse paddock space (a) increased or (b) decreased in the last five years.
(4) What is the future plan for Government horse paddock space and will it be reduced further.
(5) Does the Government have a policy to maintain a certain amount of public horse paddock space, for example, when space is closed in one part of Canberra is equivalent space opened up somewhere else.
Mr Stanhope: The answer to the member’s question is as follows:
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