The slaughter process is extremely stressful for the hundreds of millions of cattle, calves, sheep and pigs and the billions of poultry that are killed for their meat in the EU each year. There are many possibilities for the animals to suffer injuries and distress from the time they are being prepped for transport to the time they are put to death. They must be spared any avoidable excitement or pain at any stage.

The European Commission proposed in September 2008 to revise directive 93/119/EC on the protection of animals at the time of slaughter or killing. It needs urgent updating to take into account new scientific and technological developments. The proposal should improve the current situation for many animals.

The main improvements are:

• In abattoirs all people in contact with animals will need to pass an examination before starting to work. There can be exemptions to this for people who can demonstrate their experience qualifies them to work with animals.

• Slaughterhouses will be required to appoint an animal welfare officer, who will be responsible for the supervision of animal welfare. There will be an exemption for small slaughterhouses only.

• "The revised directive states that unnecessary pain must be avoided for all farmed animals, including fish.

• "Under the proposal each member state would be required to establish an animal welfare reference centre. This centre would provide scientific and technical expertise.

The European Parliament will be discussing the proposal and member states have already started discussions due to be finalised under the Czech presidency.

Eurogroup is calling for:

European Union

Directive 93/119/EC on the protection of animals at the time of slaughter or killing

Commission proposal for revision of current directive

Eurogroup documents

Position paper