Animal welfare Animal welfare From: Applies to: Contents Print this page This guide provides advice on the legislation and codes of practice designed to protect animal welfare on farms, in transport, at markets and at slaughter. On-farm animal welfare Poultry farming: welfare regulations Pig farming: welfare regulations Beef cattle and dairy cows: welfare regulations Deer farming: health and welfare See also: Gamebirds The code of practice for the welfare of gamebirds was approved by Parliament and came into force in January 2011. The code provides game farmers with information on how to meet the welfare needs of their animals, as required under the Animal Welfare Act 2006. It can also be used in courts as evidence in cases brought before them relating to poor welfare of gamebirds.