EU proposal to protect animals at the time of slaughter
A proposal which will ensure all animals across Europe are protected at the time of slaughter will be subject to comprehensive consultation, Farming Minister Jane Kennedy said today.
The EU proposal focuses on ensuring there is a level playing field with respect to welfare standards for animals killed in a slaughterhouse, on a farm or for disease management purposes and that they are spared avoidable suffering. The proposal covers all animals including poultry and fish, but excludes reptiles and amphibians.
Under the proposal, all animals except fish would need to be killed by a method which leads to instant death or death after stunning. However, the proposal would include an exemption to allow slaughter to be carried out in accordance with religious rites without prior stunning, in line with current UK practice.
Ms Kennedy said:
“Sending animals to slaughter is an understandably emotive issue. It’s important there are good regulations in place to protect animals and defend their welfare throughout their lives.
“These proposals will ensure that any animal being killed on farm, in a slaughterhouse, or for disease purposes across Europe will be spared any avoidable pain or distress at the time of slaughter and that British farmers, who are already applying high standards of welfare, are competing on a level playing field.”
Further information
Page last modified: 27 January 2009
Page published: 27 January 2009