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SLAUGHTER
: : About the issue

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.

 
: : What is the current situation?

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.

 
: : What is Eurogroup calling for?

Eurogroup is calling for:

Eurogroup would like to see the phasing out of live-shackling, which involves hanging birds upside down in a shackle. Currently poultry are shackled on automated lines whenever electrical waterbaths are used to stun the animals. It is by far the main method used by the industry, but it is extremely painful and stressful for the birds.

Eurogroup also wants all animals to be stunned before slaughter. At the moment member states are still able to make an exemption on religious grounds. In some countries a very high percentage of the meat of animals killed without stunning for religious reasons ends up in the regular market.

The EU should set a timetable for detailed requirements for the slaughter of farmed fish while fur producing animals should be given the same level of protection as animals killed in a slaughterhouse.

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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

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

 

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