Compulsory closed-circuit TV recording at abattoirs consultation: summary of responses

Background

At present, the installation of CCTV recording in abattoirs in Scotland is encouraged, on a voluntary basis, by the Scottish Government. There is no current domestic or European legislation requiring CCTV recording for monitoring or verification if animal welfare in abattoirs.

The Programme for Government 2017-18 committed the Scottish Government to consulting on the introduction of compulsory video recording of slaughter at abattoirs in Scotland to aid enforcement of welfare requirements by abattoirs management and Food Standards Scotland.

Animal welfare is a devolved matter and the consultation applies to the potential introduction of compulsory CCTV monitoring in approved slaughterhouses in Scotland only. The consultation noted the powers contained in the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006 which could be used for regulations to be made for the purposes of securing animal welfare.

The consultation sought views on whether the compulsory use of CCTV in all of the areas where live animals are present would enhance the welfare of animals at time of slaughter and increase the efficiency of enforcing and monitoring the welfare provisions. The consultation also sought views on the costs of compulsory CCTV recording to abattoirs.

The consultation provided an opportunity for all interested parties to scrutinise and comment on the potential introduction of compulsory CCTV recording. The responses have been analysed in this report and will be considered along with any other available evidence by the Scottish Ministers to determine the best approach to the use of CCTV in abattoirs in Scotland.