Welsh government opens slaughterhouse CCTV consultation
The consultation will run for 12 weeks.
The Welsh government has launched a consultation on proposals to require the use of CCTV in all slaughterhouses in Wales.
As part of the government's Animal Welfare Plan for Wales (2021-2026), the proposals require all CCTV in slaughterhouses, with a clear condition that this cannot replace direct oversight by slaughterhouse staff, animal welfare officers and official veterinarians (OVs).
Proposed regulations include installing cameras in all areas where live animals are unloaded, kept, handled, stunned and killed, and keeping recorded images fir a 90-day minimum period.
The proposals also state that recorded images should be available for authorised persons to view, copy or seize.
Running until 6 February 2023, the consultation invites members of the public to share their views on the proposals
Welsh minister for Rural Affairs, Lesley Griffiths, said: “Animal welfare is a priority for the Welsh Government, and our ambition is for all farmed animals to have a good quality of life and to be free of suffering.
“We have committed to ensuring all slaughterhouses in Wales have CCTV, and I’m pleased to announce the consultation today.
“While the vast majority of slaughterhouses have CCTV in Wales, I want to ensure all animals have the same level of protection.”
For further information on the proposals, and to access the response form, visit the Welsh government website.
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