Split over use of CCTV cameras in UK abattoirs

The Royal Society for the Protection of Cruelty to Animals said that cameras were necessary to monitor the welfare standards faced by the high volume of animals going through abattoirs every day.

The charity claims that half of its Freedom Food accredited abattoirs already have CCTV installed and its use is "strongly recommended" on its welfare standards list.

John Avizienius, deputy head of farm animal science with the RSPCA, said: "All farmed animals deserve to have a painless and humane end to their lives. This is why we believe this is such an important step forward as CCTV not only acts as a 'preventative measure', but also allows proper evidence to be collected if animal welfare is suspected of being compromised.

"We will be consulting with industry to ensure that CCTV becomes mandatory in all RSPCA standards and therefore Freedom Food approved abattoirs; and are calling for all slaughterhouses in the country to follow suit."

Joyce d'Silva, of the Compassion in World Farming charity, lent her backing to the call saying: "We hope that CCTV will become compulsory in all EU slaughterhouses as a matter of urgency." The Soil Association has also backed the move and claims that it is now in the early stages of adding such changes into its organic standards.

However Stewart Houston, chairman of both the National Pig Association (NPA) and the British Pig Executive (Bpex), said he was concerned that the extra costs that abattoirs incurred from investing in the CCTV technology would be passed on to farmers, many of whom are just getting onto an even keel following an improvement in pricings.

"When it comes to abattoir practices there are plenty of rules and regulations there to make sure that everything is done properly," he said.

"It does seem to be a bit over the top for the risk involved because all of the abattoirs will have an animal health officer. Everything is highly regulated and done properly."

His views tallied with that of Norman Bagley, policy director of the Association of Independent Meat Suppliers, who told the Yorkshire Post: "At the moment there is not a regulatory requirement. If operators want to put in a camera that is fine.

"Animal welfare is an important issue for consumers and the industry. It should be noted that the Meat Hygiene Service gets paid to monitor the welfare issues, including the stunning and obviously many consumers will say if there is a vet there during this process why do we need a camera?

"Most operators have vets there all the time and the staff training programmes are good."