Standard
SB10.1 Time off water must not exceed the time periods given below:

(a) Normal allowable time off water is 72 hours, allowing 12 hours for hatching time before removal (take off) from the hatchery

(b) Water deprivation time allowed can be up to 72 hours if provided with hydrating material in the transport container

The wording of this Standard is very ambiguous. Does the a) and b) section mean the chicks can be transported for 72 hours then another 72 hours so long as in the last 72 hour period they have hydrating material supplied?

What is hydrating material? No mention of the water content within the material. 72 hours or 3 days is a very long time without water for any animal. Also this standard above does not concur with EU regulations in any way.

Maximum transport time is 12 hours without feed or water.

Chicks can be transported without feed and water for 24 hours, if the transport is undertaken within 72 hours after hatching

Standard

SB10.2 Poultry, excluding chicks, must have access to food within the 12 hours before assembly for transport.

Acceptable

Standard

SB10.3 Poultry, excluding chicks, must not be held in containers for more than 24 hours, unless provided with feed, water and shelter.

It is essential for good welfare that poultry are given protection from hot or cold temperatures and overseas (EU) regulations prevent poultry being denied feed and water for a maximum of 12 hours

Replace with:
SB10.3 Poultry, excluding chicks, must not be held in containers for longer than 12 hour unless provided with feed and water. Shelter from hot or cold weather must be provided.

Hot weather- temperature definitions MUST be provided.

Standard

SB10.4 Containers must:
i) be lifted and placed with care
ii) be positioned on the vehicle in an upright position without excessive tilting
iii) not be dropped or thrown
iv) be securely attached to the vehicle
v) be suitable for the intended purpose.

What does excessively mean?

Replace with:
SB10.4 Containers must:
i) be lifted and placed with care
ii) be positioned on the vehicle in an upright position without tilting
iii) not be dropped or thrown
iv) be securely attached to the vehicle
v) be suitable for the transport of the species of live poultry

Standard

SB10.5 Poultry with broken legs or poultry that are unable to walk must not be transported.

What about those birds who have difficulty walking? Perhaps severely deformed in one leg?

Replace with:
SB10.5 Poultry with broken legs, poultry that are unable to walk or who are able to use only one leg to walk must not be transported.

Standard

SB10.6 Poultry, excluding chicken breeder birds, geese, turkeys and ducks, must not be lifted or carried by the head, neck, wings, feathers or tail feathers unless otherwise supported by the breast.
Exceptions are permitted for:
i) chicken breeder birds and adult geese may be lifted and carried by the base of both wings
ii) turkeys may be lifted by the tail feathers and neck or by a leg and a wing
iii) ducks may be lifted and carried by their necks or by the base of both wings.

The exceptions provide for the potential to abuse birds and clearly this standard MUST prevent cruelty not provide a legal basis for covert cruelty to occur. Handling must be carried out by trained, accredited competent operators and with respect and consideration.

Replace with:
SB10.6 Poultry must not be lifted or carried by the head, neck, wings, feathers or tail feathers. There are no exceptions.

Standard

SB10.7 Legs of poultry must not be tied together.

Acceptable

Standard

SB10.8 Electric prodders must not be used on poultry.

Acceptable

Standard

SB10.9 The approved methods for humane destruction of poultry are cervical dislocation, decapitation or use of CO2 gas.

There are serious welfare issues with these types of killing whereby the death is not immediate; there is an ability to restrain the animals, repeatability of the slaughter and pain to the animal, death is not immediate, suitable equipment, and lastly there is a lack of people trained, accredited and competent to undertake this task.

Replace with:
SB10.9 The approved methods for humane destruction of poultry are cervical dislocation, decapitation or use of CO2 gas. Only operators which have been trained; and are accredited and competent are to undertake this task.