Chickens out by April
CASTEL Farm Eggs has agreed that it will get rid of all of its chickens by the end of March next year.
The agreement with Environmental Health brings to a close legal action taken against the St Andrew’s business by the States over the build-up of chicken excrement on the site which led to a plague of flies affecting nearby properties.
The company has signed a consent order which was officially made by the Deputy Bailiff yesterday during a brief sitting of the Ordinary Division of the Royal Court.
Company directors Steve and Emma Brooks were not present. The States was represented by Advocate Rachel Donaldson, who outlined the terms of the order.
She said it had been agreed that the first of the four sheds will be emptied by 1 August, with clearance of the second shed starting by 17 August at the latest.
Sheds three and four will be cleared of chicken manure and de-populated by 31 March 2024, at which point no chickens should be left on the site.
Traps and sprays will be used to reduce the number of flies on the farm.
Advocate Donaldson said the company must notify the States when the culling of the birds takes place.
Carcasses will be transported to the incinerator.
States vet Dr David Chamberlain, who has been involved in the negotiations, will visit the incinerator at Longue Hougue to inspect the carcasses, if he thinks there are any welfare issues.
In the court action, the States wanted the farm to make several changes by mid-April this year to reduce the nuisance caused by flies.
In making the order, Deputy Bailiff Jessica Roland said she very much hoped this was the end of the matter. But she warned that if the defendants did not comply the case could come back before the court, which would do its best to deal with it as soon as possible.
No order was made as to costs.
Castel Farm Eggs declined to comment after the hearing.
Neighbours’ reaction, page 3
