A consultation on mandatory CCTV in Welsh slaughterhouses has opened today (Monday, November 14).
It will run for twelve weeks, until February 6, 2023, and is available on the Welsh Government website.
It will ask for opinions on the requirement for slaughterhouse operators to have CCTV in areas where live animals live; allow enforcement agencies to access footage; and to store said footage for 90 days.
It will also include questions on government proposals with regards to enhanced welfare provision, greater enforcement and costs to businesses; there were ten questions in total.
The purpose of the inclusion of CCTV cameras in slaughterhouses is to monitor animal welfare standards. The majority of slaughterhouses in Wales already have CCTV, and in England it has been a legal requirement since 2018.
“While the vast majority of slaughterhouses have CCTV in Wales, I want to ensure all animals have the same level of protection,” said Minister for Rural Affairs Lesley Griffiths.
“Animal welfare is a priority for the Welsh Government, and our ambition is for all farmed animals to have a good quality of life and to be free of suffering.
“We have committed to ensuring all slaughterhouses in Wales have CCTV, and I’m pleased to announce the consultation today.”
