Mandatory CCTV in every slaughterhouse in England starting with 2018
The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) said that after an extremely positive reaction from the meat industry, welfare groups and the public it will take the plans forward regarding the mandatory implementantion of CCTV in all slaughterhouses from across England.
In August, the Secretary of State launched a consultation on the plans to deliver a manifesto commitment for CCTV to be required in every slaughterhouse in England in all areas where live animals are present, with unrestricted access to footage for Official Veterinarians - reassuring consumers that high welfare standards are being effectively enforced.
Legislation will be introduced in the New Year, coming into force in the Spring. All slaughterhouses will be required to comply following an adjustment period of up to six months.
A summary of responses published today (Sunday) shows that of almost 4,000 respondents, more than 99% were supportive of the plans.
"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," Environment Secretary Michael Gove said. "The reaction to this consultation highlights 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."
Mr. Gove added that these strong measures also provide a further demonstration to consumers around the world that as Great Britain is leaving the European Union the country will continue to produce food to the very highest standards.
Having carefully considered all of the responses, the Government agrees with the overwhelming proportion of respondents that were in favour of mandatory CCTV to protect animal welfare in slaughterhouses. The proposals will also give the Food Standards Agency’s (FSA) Official Veterinarians (OVs) unfettered access to the last 90 days of footage to help them monitor and enforce animal welfare standards.
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