The FSA is today publishing the results of its 2013 animal welfare survey of slaughterhouses in Britain.
The survey, last carried out in 2011, gives a snapshot of how well animal welfare requirements were followed in slaughterhouses during one week in September 2013.
The results showed an improved picture compared to the 2011 survey – 96% of red meat slaughterhouses and 96% of white meat slaughterhouses were compliant with the animal welfare regulations, compared to 86% and 84% respectively for 2011. While there have been positive shifts in compliance, there are still areas where improvements are required.
Other key findings of the survey:
CCTV uptake for animal welfare monitoring has increased since the 2011 survey.
There has been a significant increase in the proportion of poultry slaughtered using the gas stunning method – this method has animal welfare benefits over traditional waterbath stunning. The gas method is now used for 71% of poultry slaughter.
The number of animals not stunned prior to slaughter (allowed in accordance with religious rites) accounted for 2% of cattle, 15% of sheep and goats, and 3% of poultry.
