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CCTV becomes mandatory in Welsh slaughterhouses
All Welsh slaughterhouses must have CCTV installed by 1 December 2024.
The move aims to improve the welfare of kept animals.

The Welsh Senedd has approved new regulations, which have made closed circuit television mandatory in all slaughterhouses in Wales.

By 1 December 2024, CCTV cameras will be required to be installed in areas where live animals are unloaded, kept, handled, stunned, and killed.

The Mandatory Use of Closed Circuit Television in Slaughterhouses (Wales) Regulations 2024 has been introduced in an effort to improve and maintain the standards of welfare for all kept animals.

This legislation is a Programme for Government commitment, and is also included in the Animal Welfare Plan for Wales. Its introduction follows a twelve-week public consultation, where the majority of the 16,000 responses supported the installation of CCTV cameras in approved slaughterhouses.

While most slaughterhouses in Wales already have CCTV, the requirement will ensure that all approved slaughterhouses are covered. The Welsh government say this will support consumer confidence that welfare standards are being met.

This regulation comes after the announcement that the export of live animals has been banned in Great Britain. Under the recently passed Animal Welfare (Live Exports) Act animals can not be sent abroad to be slaughtered, and instead should be slaughtered domestically in a UK slaughterhouse.

The new CCTV legislation for Wales will come into force on 1 June 2024, which gives slaughterhouse operators six months to work with the Food Standards Agency to ensure they are compliant with the regulations.

Slaughterhouse operators will need to install and operate the systems, and keep the CCTV footage. The CCTV does not replace the direct oversight of management or Official Veterinarians.

Huw Irranca-Davies, cabinet secretary for climate change and rural affairs, said: “The network of slaughterhouses in Wales provide essential services to farmers, butchers, and consumers. They also provide skilled jobs and support local supply chains.

“Mandatory CCTV for all our slaughterhouses further supports consumer confidence that welfare standards are being delivered.”

Image © Shutterstock

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Central Qualifications to attend BVNA Congress

News Story 1
 Central Qualifications (CQ) is to host a stand at this year's BVNA Congress. The awarding body will be at Stand C9 from 11-13 October.

It will discuss changes to the qualifications strategy and some new qualifications, including a top-up course for equine veterinary care, so qualified veterinary nurses can broaden their skills.

Rachael Shepherd, education consultant at CQ, said: "We are looking forward to attending BVNA Congress this year. There are exciting times ahead, with a revamp to the VN qualifications and assessment strategy and the introduction of some new qualifications." 

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News Shorts
Northern Ireland chief vet warns of bluetongue risk

Following the detection of bluetongue virus serotype 3 (BTV-3) in England, Northern Ireland's chief veterinary officer has urged farmers to remain vigilant and source animals responsibly.

Brian Dooher said: "This confirmation in England is a stark reminder of the threat bluetongue presents to Northern Ireland.Whilst this finding in Norfolk is disappointing it is not unexpected giving the rising level of disease across several countries in Europe. Bluetongue does not affect human health or food safety, however an incursion to Northern Ireland would have a significant impact on livestock and the rural economy.

"I would like to remind all farmers of the importance of sourcing animals responsibly and ask that they maintain vigilance for signs of the disease reporting any suspicions to DAERA immediately."

Suspected cases of BTV-3 in Northern Ireland should be reported to the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or by contacting the local DAERA Direct Veterinary Office.