Commission supports proposal to improve animal slaughter conditions

THE European Commission has backed a proposal to improve conditions for animals at the time of slaughter.

Existing rules would be simplified under the new rules and brought into line with food hygiene regulations while welfare considerations would be taken into account in the design of slaughterhouses.

The new regulations would also require the regular monitoring of the efficiency of stunning techniques and equipment.

Animals, after being stunned, would have to be regularly checked to ensure they do not regain consciousness before slaughter.

Each slaughterhouse would have to appoint an animal welfare officer who would be accountable for implementing the measures. Small slaughterhouses would benefit from derogation from this requirement.

Manufacturers of stunning equipment would also have to provide clear instructions for ensuring proper animal welfare and how to keep the equipment in good working order.

Commissioner for health Androulla Vassiliou said: “As a society we have a duty of care to animals, which includes minimising distress and avoiding pain throughout the slaughtering process.

“This proposal will make a real difference to the way animals are treated at the time of slaughter, as well as promoting innovation and providing a level playing field for operators.”

As part of the update, member states will have to create research-based centres to provide permanent and competent support to official inspectors. And the authorities will have to be more accountable to the public when they perform mass killings in the case of contagious diseases.

Every year, nearly 360 million pigs, sheep, goats and cattle as well as several billion poultry are killed in EU slaughterhouses for their meat.

In addition, about 25 million animals are killed for their fur.