Pressure grows for mandatory CCTV in slaughterhouses

A cross-party selection of MPs spoke in support of a change in the law at a Westminster Hall debate yesterday, which was sponsored by Liz Saville Roberts MP (Plaid Cymru, Dwyfor Meirionnydd). The debate focused specifically on CCTV in equine slaughterhouses, but MPs stressed the need for it in all abattoirs.

Animal Aid has uncovered unlawful practices being conducted in 9 out of 10 UK abattoirs investigated. This includes cigarettes being stubbed out on pigs, sheep being picked up and thrown by their fleeces and other animals being stamped on.

George Eustice MP, Minister of State for DEFRA, observed that if mandatory CCTV were to be brought forward, it would be taken across abattoirs slaughtering all species.

Heather Hancock, Chair of the Food Standards Agency, also recently spoke in favour of mandatory CCTV. She told the Farmers Guardian that the “case is made” for mandatory CCTV.

Says Farming and Slaughter Campaigns Manager, Luke Steele:

‘Animal Aid’s covert filming has found lawbreaking in 9 out of 10 abattoirs investigated, which has included cigarettes being stubbed out on pigs, sheep being picked up and thrown by their fleeces and animals being beaten.

The growing cross-party support for mandatory CCTV in slaughterhouses recognises the vital need to detect, deter and prosecute unlawful animal cruelty in abattoirs. Animal Aid calls on George Eustice to recognise the vital need to implement this important tool and bring forward a change in the law.’

Notes for Editors

• For any further comments please contact Luke Steele, Farming and Slaughter Campaigns Manager, on 01732 364546 ext 233 or email luke@animalaid.co.uk
• Visit our Slaughterhouse CCTV website for more information on our campaign for mandatory, independently-monitored CCTV in all slaughterhouses