Installation of CCTV cameras in abattoirs is not a mandatory regulatory requirement and it appears that the Minister for Agriculture, Michael Creed, has no plans to introduce such a measure.
The Minister was responding to a parliamentary question from Deputy Clare Daly, who asked him to consider making the installation of CCTV in abattoirs here a mandatory requirement.
This she said would be in order to protect against potential abuse of animals.
While it is not a mandatory requirement the Minister said that the slaughter process and the handling of animals going to slaughter here takes place under strictly supervised conditions.
“My Department has a permanent veterinary presence in each of the slaughter plants under its supervision and Department staff carry out regular checks as part of official regulatory controls.”
Further, he said that all slaughter plants whose meat is destined for human consumption must meet the requirements set out in detailed EU regulations relating to food safety and animal health and welfare.
“Large scale slaughter plants operate under the supervision of my Department, while smaller scale abattoirs are supervised by the Local Authority Veterinary Service.
“Primary responsibility for compliance with these regulatory requirements rests in the first instance with food business operators.
“In addition, each slaughter establishment has a qualified animal welfare officer who oversees the welfare of the animals at the time of slaughter,” he said.
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Calls for video surveillance in French abattoirs
Last month, a French parliamentary inquiry tabled a report on animal welfare in abattoirs in France after several videos showed animal abuse taking place.
The report proposed that there should be mandatory video monitoring at key sites within abattoirs along with several other measures including the modernisation of abattoir equipment.
Mobile abattoirs to reduce transportation times for animals and the setting up of a national ethics committee were also recommended.