Legislation to make CCTV cameras mandatory in slaughterhouses in England to safeguard animal welfare was laid today by Environment Secretary Michael Gove.
The legislation will come into effect from May 2018, once it passes through Parliament, at which point businesses will have six months to comply.
In August 2017, the Environment Secretary launched a consultation for CCTV to be required in every slaughterhouse in England in all areas where live animals are present, with unrestricted access to footage for 90 days for Food Standards Agency (FSA) Official Veterinarians - reassuring consumers that high welfare standards are being effectively enforced.
A summary of responses published in November showed that of almost 4,000 respondents, more than 99% were supportive of the plans.
Animal welfare is an issue close to my heart, so I am very pleased that CCTV will become mandatory in all slaughterhouses later this year.
We have some of the highest animal welfare standards in the world and it is absolutely right that we continue to strengthen the UK’s status as a global leader.
The consultation really highlighted the strength of feeling among the public that animals should be treated with the utmost respect at all stages of life. The UK will continue to be a global leader in animal welfare standards now and after we leave the EU.
Heather Hancock, Chairman of the Food Standards Agency, said: "I welcome this new legislation being introduced. It will help businesses to improve animal welfare and hygiene standards across the industry. We look forward to working with the industry as CCTV plans are implemented, and to seeing public confidence rise as a result. Businesses will have six months to comply with this legislation once it has passed through Parliament. The penalty for failing to comply will be an enforcement notice to the business or prosecution."