Public Consultation on the Introduction of Mandatory Closed-Circuit Television in Slaughterhouses in Northern Ireland

Overview

This consultation survey invites stakeholders and the general public to provide their views on the proposed introduction of mandatory Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) coverage in slaughterhouses throughout Northern Ireland. The consultation, initiated by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), seeks to align Northern Ireland with other UK jurisdictions that have already implemented similar measures over the past six years and build on the great work already implemented by the majority of slaughterhouses in Northern Ireland.

The proposal aims to enhance animal welfare standards during the slaughter process by ensuring comprehensive CCTV coverage in all areas where live animals are present, including unloading, handling, lairage, stunning, and kill zones. Additionally, the policy would grant unfettered access to CCTV footage for official inspections and mandate that recordings be retained for a minimum of 90 days.

The impetus for this consultation stems from recommendations by the Farm Animal Welfare Committee (FAWC) in 2015, which highlighted the benefits of CCTV in monitoring and improving animal welfare. CCTV not only provides a crucial tool for enforcement but also serves as a valuable resource for slaughterhouses to improve their practices and training.

DAERA encourages all interested parties to participate in this consultation to help shape the future of animal welfare practices in Northern Ireland slaughterhouses. Your feedback is vital to ensure that the implementation of mandatory CCTV coverage is both effective and beneficial for all stakeholders involved.

Privacy 

The information you provide in completing this consultation will be controlled and processed by DAERA in line with Data Protection Legislation. To find out more about how we handle your personal information, DAERA’s Privacy Notice can be viewed online at  http://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/daera-privacy-statement