Scottish Government Debate CCTV in Abattoirs

Scottish Government consults on compulsory CCTV in abattoirs

18:04 06 April 2018

The Scottish government has launched a consultation on compulsory CCTV in abattoirs, a move that was welcome by the British Veterinary Association (BVA). The consultation, which runs from 28 March to 20 June 2018, aims to collect views from relevant stakeholders to refine existing policies and determine ways on how to improve current processes.

 

The BVA and the Veterinary Public Health Association have been campaigning across the UK for mandatory CCTV in slaughterhouses. They said that it is important for the industry to make sure that OVs have full access to CCTV footage in areas where live animals are kept.

 

A new legislation to introduce mandatory CCTV in all abattoirs across England will come into effect in Mary 2018.

 

BVA Scottish branch president Melissa Donald said: “We’re delighted the Scottish Government has launched this consultation on the introduction of mandatory CCTV in abattoirs. Although a high percentage of abattoirs in Scotland already have CCTV, there are no rules governing how the footage is used or kept.

 

“OVs carry out an essential role in slaughterhouses by independently assessing and reporting breaches of animal welfare, and unrestricted access to CCTV footage will allow them to carry out this role even more effectively. We look forward to responding to the consultation and seeing the results in the future.”