The Humane Slaughter Association (HSA) has been awarded a grant by the Rural Development Service to run a one-day training course, on the 15th of November 2006, intended for small producers looking to gain their poultry slaughter licence. The course is 75% funded under the England Rural Development Programme, enabling costs to delegates to be held at just £55 per person.

Participants will receive a half day classroom-style training session on the welfare of birds during the capture, transport and slaughter process. This will be followed by a half-day practical session during which delegates will be assessed, following a demonstration of the equipment, by a Veterinary Officer from the State Veterinary Service on the practical use of hand-held electrical stunning equipment and the Cash Poultry Killer. Participants who pass the assessment can then obtain a full poultry slaughter licence from the Meat Hygiene Service.

Those eligible for the course include farmers who spend at least 50% of their time working on the farm, and others involved in agriculture including farm workers and family members. All participants must be from the East Anglia region and surrounding counties.

Places are strictly limited and those interested are encouraged to contact the HSA as soon as possible for an application form. Contact the Humane Slaughter Association, The Old School, Brewhouse Hill, Wheathampstead, Herts. AL4 8AN, Telephone: 01582 831919, Email: info@hsa.org.uk.