BVA reiterates call for CCTV in Welsh slaughterhouses
The BVA has called on Wales to consider introducing mandatory CCTV in Welsh slaughterhouses.
The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has reiterated its call for the Welsh Assembly to introduce mandatory CCTV in Welsh slaughterhouses.
In a letter to Wales’ cabinet secretary for environment and rural affairs, Lesley Griffiths, the BVA offered its congratulations on the third Animal Health and Welfare Framework (AHWF) Implementation Plan for 2017/2018. It also called on Wales to consider introducing mandatory CCTV in Welsh slaughterhouses.
The Implementation Plan outlines that the Wales AHWF group will be providing advice on the need and possible implementation of a workable CCTV system in Welsh slaughterhouses. The mention follows Defra’s announcement that CCTV is to become mandatory in all slaughterhouses in England, giving Official Veterinarians full and unrestricted access.
“We applaud the strong focus and commitment towards continued improvement of animal health and welfare standards in Wales, which is evident in this plan – and the specific mention of CCTV in slaughterhouses,” commented Sarah Carr, BVA Welsh branch president.
“We were disappointed last year that the Safeguarding Animal Welfare at Slaughter Task and Finish Group’s report concluded that there was not a “sufficient basis” for making CCTV in Welsh abattoirs mandatory. With plans now underway to introduce mandatory CCTV in all slaughterhouses in England, with full and unrestricted access to footage for Official Veterinarians, we are urging the Welsh Government to implement concurrent measures in Wales.”
“Animals we farm for food must have both a good life and a humane death, and mandatory CCTV has a key role to play in ensuring these requirements are met.”
With Strangles Awareness Week just around the corner (5-11 May), vets are being encouraged to share a survey about the disease with their horse-owning clients.
