This Section applies in all establishments holding livestock.
Animal
- Animals shall at all times be kept in accommodation that
is adequate in construction, size, amenities and position
in the premises.
- No livestock should be exposed to excessive light
or heat, or lack of adequate warmth.
- No fish or other organism should be subject to rapid
fluctuation in light, heat or chemical composition of
their water, other than for the controlled treatment
of disease or as part of a controlled breeding programme.
- All aquaria should be sited so that visual inspections
are easily carried out. (This does not necessitate them
being wholly visible from the shop floor).
- Aquaria shall be checked daily and cleaned as often as
is necessary to maintain good hygiene standards, consistent
with the rate of stock turnover and consequent stocking
densities. Appendix A lists the water quality targets to
be maintained.
Notes:
- i. Particular attention should be paid to removal
of uneaten food and moralities, as both of these can
release ammonia as they decay.
- The filtration system, whether internal or external,
should be maintained in efficient order. The performance
of the filter should be checked by chemical analysis
using commercially available test kits as appropriate.
- Fish and other aquatic organisms should be displayed
in a manner which precludes interference by unauthorised
people as far as is reasonably practicable.
- The care given to fish kept in outdoor ponds or aquaria
must reflect the climatic conditions.
For instance:
- an air hole should be created in ice.
- shading might be required in intense summer sun,
this may be by planting appropriately.
- Food should be offered to fish on a regular basis taking
into account the water temperature and the biology of the
species concerned. Food should be stored in impervious closed
containers which can, if necessary and appropriate, be cleaned
easily. Good hygiene in this area will minimise the risk
of insect or rodent infestation.
- Water quality should be assessed regularly and managed
so that the criteria outlined in Appendix A are satisfied.
Items 4 - 9 and 11 in the section headed 'Receipt of
Animal Livestock' apply equally to routine care.
Care of Plants
This Code should apply equally to plants in respect of satisfying
import controls (particularly phytosanitary and conservation
legislation).
They should be carried and handled to minimise damage.
Diseases should be treated as appropriate.
Appropriate advice on the choice of plants by customers should
be given taking account of the intended use to be made of
the plant.
Advice on the care and maintenance of the plant should be
available at the time of sale.