It is the policy of Red House Farm Allotments Society to overview the introduction and care of chickens on the sites so that the interests of all parties are amicably fostered.
The Committee of Red House Farm Allotments Society recognises its duty as far as possible to satisfy its legal and contractual obligations to the Landlords, Council and Members and encourage good practice in the management of chickens on the site.
According to the Society’s Agreements with the Council, para 38, the Society has agreed,
“ NOT to keep rear or hold or allow to be kept reared or held any animal or livestock of any kind on the Land except a maximum of 6 hens to the extent permitted by Section 12 of the Allotments Act 1950 or any re-enactment thereof, except as may be agreed in writing with the Council’s appointed Officer.”
In order to effect the rearing of chickens in a hygienic way, without causing nuisance or contravening other legislation it is the policy of the Society that chickens will be kept to appropriate national standards e.g. NSALG and RSPCA and the following process will be used to ensure this:
- No plot holder may keep chickens without written permission from Red House Farm Allotment Society Committee.
- Establish at least one, preferably two Chicken Officers, who will oversee the implementation of this policy.
- At any one time only four whole plots on the Main site and two on the Extension may have chickens. These plots will first have to be deemed suitable by the Committee and the Chicken Officers.
- Members should apply to the Secretary if they want to have chickens on their plot. A waiting list will be maintained and applicants will be dealt with on a “first come, first serve” basis.
- The Chicken Officers will check whether the limit has been reached and the suitability of the site. The Member may be need to apply to move plot if theirs is unsuitable.
- The Member will be asked for their intentions in writing e.g. 1 Preparation, 2 Management and 3 Exit plan.
- The Chicken Officers will use the RSPCA criteria (available from the Secretary) to review the Member’s proposal and advise on improvements required.
- The plot holder will be asked for a bond of £50 against the Society having to undertake any of the Member’s responsibilities for the chickens or the exit plan. The Member will also be asked for evidence of appropriate insurance.
- If suitable i.e. in line with the criteria the Member will be able to prepare for chickens on their plot.
- The Officers will inspect the preparations and ask for remedial action if necessary.
- When the Member has satisfied the Officers, paid the bond and signed an agreement they will be allowed to bring on the plot a maximum of six or some lesser number of birds the Officer may think suitable e.g. in view of the accommodation to be provided.
- Chickens must be cared for on-site to National standards e.g. including emergency contact details.
- The Officers will conduct inspections to National standards monthly and as required.
- Improvement notices may be issued. Failure to meet the requirements of the notice will result in termination of the right to keep chickens.
- Closure notices may be issued. Failure to meet the exit requirements may result in termination of tenancy agreement and the Officers having to take charge of the chickens. Any costs in excess of the £50 bond incurred e.g. in returning the plot to its previous condition will be charged to the Member.