Home
Opinion Formers
RSPCA (Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals)
CCTV must be installed in all UK abattoirs, says RSPCA

RSPCA (Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals)

CCTV must be installed in all UK abattoirs, says RSPCA

Thursday, 25 February 2010 12:00 AM

The RSPCA announced today it is calling for all abattoirs to have CCTV installed, as part of its ongoing work to improve the welfare of farm animals at all stages of their lives.

With such a large number of animals going through abattoirs every day, the RSPCA is aware of the significant welfare risks involved and believes this is an area that needs even closer scrutiny.

John Avizienius, deputy head of RSPCA's farm animal science department said: 'All farmed animals deserve to have a painless and humane end to their lives. This is why we believe this is such an important step forward as CCTV not only acts as a 'preventative' measure, but also allows proper evidence to be collected if animal welfare is suspected of being compromised.

'We will be consulting with industry to ensure that CCTV becomes mandatory in all RSPCA standards and therefore Freedom Food approved abattoirs; and are calling for all slaughterhouses in the country to follow suit,' he added.

Currently around half of the Freedom Food accredited abattoirs already have CCTV installed as it is 'strongly recommended' in the RSPCA welfare standards.

Freedom Food has already told relevant scheme members that the RSPCA's species-specific technical standards working groups will be meeting shortly to discuss this proposal, with the aim of providing advice to ensure the new RSPCA requirements are practical, achievable and effective.

"Compassion in World Farming is delighted that Freedom Food approved slaughterhouses will now install CCTV and we are sure that this innovation will help to ensure that animal welfare rules will be properly enforced.

"We hope that CCTV will become compulsory in all EU slaughterhouses as a matter of urgency," said Joyce D'Silva, Director of Public Affairs, Compassion in World Farming.

Following this announcement the Soil Association told the RSPCA that it recognises the potential of CCTV to ensure animal welfare standards are maintained in abattoirs, and added it is now in the early stages of drafting such a change into its organic standards.

-Ends -

RSPCA, Wilberforce Way, Southwater, Horsham, West Sussex RH13 9RS
Press office direct lines: 0300 123 0244/0288 Fax: 0303 123 0099
Duty press officer (evenings and weekends) Tel 08448 222888 and ask for pager number 828825
Email: press@rspca.org.uk Website: www.rspca.org.uk

Disclaimer: Press releases published on this page are from key opinion formers who promote their organisation's activities by subscribing to a campaign site within politics.co.uk. politics.co.uk does not endorse, edit, or attempt to balance the opinions expressed on this page. The content of press releases are wholly the responsibility of the originating company or organisation.

CCTV cameras installed in school toilets

Ten per cent of teachers have admitted to the presence of CCTV cameras in school toilets, according to a new report, with a quarter of teachers say they are worried about the presence of the cameras in their schools.

All UK emails to be stored

Rules which force internet providers to retain information of all emails sent in the UK have been damned as a waste of money and an attack on civil liberties.

Public 'should scrutinise CCTV'

CCTV and Ripa have come to irritate civil libertarians

The public must be allowed to scrutinise the use of CCTV over concerns councils are abusing their surveillance powers, the body representing council leaders has said.

RSPCA calls for Dotty to be put down.

Darling: UK must be determined

The UK must adopt the same determination in getting through the coming recession as it had towards the banking crisis, chancellor Alistair Darling will say tonight.

Police CCTV faces legal threat

The prevalence of CCTV on Britain's streets is set to be scaled back under government plans

West Midlands police are facing demands from the campaigning group Liberty to remove CCTV cameras from two areas of Birmingham or face legal action.

Civil liberties must be defended, says Cherie Blair

Cherie Blair has said the government must not allow civil liberties to be undermined in the struggle to root out terrorism.

RSPCA urges action on animal welfare

The RSPCA has stepped up its campaign for an animal welfare bill with the publication of new research showing a rise in the number of cases of animal neglect.

Insurers: Whiplash epidemic must be tackled once and for all

Nick Starling, director of general insurance at the Association of British Insurers, comments on the transport committee's report on the cost of motor insurance:

comments

Failed asylum seekers must work says Blunkett

The Home Secretary has put forward proposals that would require failed asylum seekers to undertake community work.

Opinion Formers

Press Releases

Government Ministers visit RSPCA hospital on the frontline

RSPCA: The only way is ethics . . . scruples can make a man sexier

RSPCA: "Preyed upon": Domestic birds of prey were found struggling to survive

Statement about UK egg producers found not to have complied with The Welfare of Laying Hens Directive

RSPCA: 2011 was another awful year for animal abandonments

RSPCA: Stormy waters – seal pups suffering following severe weather

RSPCA: Just the ticket – traffic warden rescues bird of prey from storm

RSPCA: 8 little pigs need new ‘digs’

RSPCA: Public do not understand battery cage law survey reveals

RSPCA: Suspended sentence for allowing dog to die

Twitter

Join the conversation at #opinion_formers

Related Opinion Former Press Releases

CCTV still crucial to community safety three months after UK riots, says BSIA

A shift in public perception of CCTV has been revealed by a recent survey conducted by a member of the British Security Industry Association (BSIA).

RSPCA calls for CCTV in every slaughterhouse

The RSPCA welcomes efforts to encourage slaughterhouses to install CCTV cameras but wants to see the measure made compulsory in all abattoirs.

The Chancellor MUST help UK hauliers says RHA

Special event coverage

Festival of Social Sciences: Celebrating the Social Sciences

Evidence-based policy should not be a radical concept. It needs to be celebrated.

Festival of Social Sciences: 2 languages: 2 brains, 2 minds, 2 cultures?

As part of the ESRC Festival of Social Sciences, the Deafness Cognition And Language Research Centre (DCAL) hosted an event exploring the powerful benefits of bilingualism in spoken and sign languages, for hearing and deaf people alike - benefits that reach hearing and deaf people alike.

Opinion Former Events

20

22

07

22

30

27

NHF: Leaders’ Forum and Exhibition 2012

This flagship event is a forum for chief executives and chairs of the housing sector to network with each other and learn from a range of high-profile and inspirational speakers from media, political and housing backgrounds. It takes place in Park Plaza Victoria, London.

TACT: Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD): how to support affected children

Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is an incurable lifelong condition arising from brain damage caused by maternal alcohol consumption during pregnancy. The effects may include physical, mental, behavioural and learning disabilities. However, if diagnosed, the right strategies can transform the lives of those affected. This new Guardian Social Care Network half-day seminar in association with TACT Fostering and Adoption will explain the condition and show what can be done to help.

bpas: Abortion in the US: Popularity, Politics and Practice

We often hear of the ‘Americanisation’ of abortion politics in the UK, but unpicking the substantive threats to women’s reproductive rights in the US can be a challenge. The 2012 bpas public lecture will explore the current state of abortion politics in the US and, at a time when abortion appears increasingly politicised in the UK, reflect on what lessons can be drawn by those keen to protect women’s reproductive autonomy elsewhere.

Cogent SSC: UK Nuclear Skills Awards - 22nd March 2012

The UK Nuclear Awards is steadily becoming an anticipated annual event in the Nuclear calendar. The National Skills Academy for Nuclear and Cogent Sector Skills Council are preparing to hold their fourth collaborative Skills Awards Evening for the industry.

BSIA: Information Destruction Exhibition and Conference

This one-day event is targeted at professionals operating in the information destruction industry, and aims at keeping delegates updated on recent developments in their sector, providing an opportunity to network with fellow professionals, whilst offering access to an informative exhibition and a comprehensive conference programme.

Take the Gold Challenge for St Dunstan's

We provide lifelong support for blind and visually impaired ex-Service men and women. You can help give more blind heroes an independent future by taking the Gold Challenge