Animal Welfare Policy

Bartter Enterprises takes a humane approach to its animals, seeking to maintain the highest standards of animal welfare in every stage of production. Contrary to popular belief, our chickens are not raised in cages – they are raised in custom built barns where they are free to roam and have easy access to food and water.
At Bartter Enterprises, the welfare of poultry has always been a key driver of the business. We recognise that animal welfare and economic performance are inextricably linked – maintaining strong, healthy bird flocks is the key to our overall business performance.
We ensure our staff understand their responsibility to the animals and that they apply the procedures and techniques needed to ensure the animals they care for are healthy and reared with respect. Any employee causing unnecessary pain or suffering to flocks is subject to immediate disciplinary action.

Background

Maintaining healthy animals is both ethical and financially wise, and is key to Bartter Enterprises’ success. We will always meet or exceed legislative requirements for the treatment of animals.
We continually aim to minimise the stress on animals in the way we handle them, from hatching to processing . We continue to investigate new technologies to boost automation and reduce the stress on animals.
Our animal welfare focus is supported by Poultry Husbandry Officers in every region. These specialists, are trained in poultry husbandry and can initiate corrective action where it is needed. Sick flocks are identified quickly and treated by our regional veterinarians.
The national standards we have set for our growers and contract growers cover areas which impact animal care such as water, ventilation, feeder access, shed temperature, inspections, bird health practices and general management. All farms are visited at least twice a week by an external inspector to confirm that standards are consistently met.
Our policy is to keep our stock rate well below the standard stock rates set by the Primary Industries Standing Committee’s Model Code of Practice for the Welfare of Animals.
Our practices include:
• Using a very hardy breed of bird with strong legs and feet.
• Regular training and random audits for all people involved with animals to ensure they meet the same high standards.
• Educating and training staff to ensure that they understand their responsibility to the animals, and ensure the animals in their care are healthy and raised humanely.