CCTV to become compulsory in Scottish abattoirs
The legislation comes into force on 1 July 2021.
Legislation that will make CCTV compulsory in abattoirs in Scotland has been approved by the Scottish government.
Under the Mandatory Use of Closed Circuit Television in Slaughterhouses (Scotland) Regulations 2020, all Scottish abattoirs will be required to install and operate CCTV and to retain footage and associated data for 90 days.
The legislation, which comes into force on 1 July 2021, comes after the vast majority of people who responded to a public consultation supported the measure. The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has also backed the use of CCTV where it complements the checks and physical monitoring carried out by Official Vets.
Welcoming the move, BVA Scottish Branch President Kathleen Robertson said: “This decision is a huge win not only for animal health and welfare but for public health, food safety and trade. While most Scottish abattoirs already have CCTV, this legislation will help to keep welfare standards high at all stages of the supply chain now and in the future.
“It is positive that Official Vets in Scottish abattoirs will be able to use CCTV footage as a complement to their welfare monitoring and also have unrestricted access to footage so that they can identify and resolve any breaches in regulation effectively.”
She added: “Now that Scotland has taken this important step, we hope that governments in Wales and Northern Ireland will follow suit with similar legislation to underpin the high welfare standards across the whole of the UK.”
Eligible members of BEVA will be able to vote for their Council team until Monday, 17 August 2026. Members will have received an election email on 17 July.
