CCTV in Slaughterhouses – an update
28 February 2018
On 23 February, legislation to make CCTV cameras mandatory in slaughterhouses in England to safeguard animal welfare was laid in Parliament by Environment Secretary Michael Gove.
The legislation will come into effect from May this year, once it passes through Parliament, at which point businesses will have six months to comply.
Environment Secretary Michael Gove said: We have some of the highest animal welfare standards in the world and want to cement our status as a global leader by continuing to raise the bar.
Introducing compulsory CCTV cameras in slaughterhouses is a further demonstration to consumers around the world that as we leave the EU, we continue to produce our food to the very highest standards.
The previous reaction to the consultation highlighted the strength of feeling among the public that all animals should be treated with the utmost respect at all stages of life and be subject to the highest possible welfare standards.
HSA’s Chief Executive Dr Robert Hubrecht said: “CCTV is one way of monitoring animal handling in slaughterhouses, but much depends on how it is used, and it can only be a part of the total effort needed to maintain high welfare standards. The HSA looks forward to working with industry as this initiative moves forward. “
Speakers from industry, DEFRA, enforcement, research and technology installation companies will be presenting at the HSA’s one day seminar on 9th May for the meat and livestock industry to discuss the animal welfare implications of the implementation and use of CCTV and other technology in abattoirs. For more information on the seminar and to book your place click here.
Businesses will have six months to comply with this legislation once it has passed through Parliament. The penalty for failing to comply will be an enforcement notice to the business or prosecution.
The full government media release on cctv in slaughterhouses can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/cctv-in-slaughterhouses-legislation-laid-in-parliament