Abattoirs in England have to install CCTV as the government looks to monitor animal welfare more closely. This law came into fruition in 2017 and is monitored closely by the Food Standards Agency (FSA).
Rules have been phased in since the law was passed and FSA vets will be able to request footage of where livestock is held to monitor animal welfare.
All Abattoirs operating in England must meet welfare regulations. There are separate rules in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland and additional EU regulations.
Abattoirs that fail the level of standard required can face criminal investigation and can lose staff licences.
At the time of the law passing Environment Secretary, Micheal Gove said:
“We have some of the highest animal welfare standards in the world and the actions I am setting out today will reinforce our status as a global leader. As we prepare to leave the EU, these measures provide a further demonstration to consumers around the world that our food is produced to the very highest standards.”
What are the laws for abattoirs requiring CCTV?
To fully meet the legal requirements set out by law, operators of abattoirs and slaughterhouses must install CCTV cameras covering the entire slaughtering area. It’s not just a simple of fitting a few CCTV cameras in obvious places. All areas where animals are held and slaughtered must be covered.
Welcoming the Government’s plans, British Veterinary Association President Gudrun Ravetz said:
“Mandatory CCTV in all areas of slaughterhouses will provide an essential tool in fostering a culture of compassion that could help safeguard animal welfare and we are particularly pleased to see a commitment to Official Veterinarians having unrestricted access to footage, which BVA has been calling for. Vets’ independence and unique qualifications help ensure that the UK will continue to have the highest standards of animal health, welfare and food safety.”
CCTV systems for abattoirs
As specialist installers of CCTV surveillance solutions, Safeguard Systems is well placed to support any abattoir needing to comply with the law. Our High Definition and IP based CCTV systems are perfectly matched to help abattoirs stick within the strict guidelines.
The CCTV systems we design and install for abattoirs have built in recording functionality and all footage can be stored to help assist with any FSA investigation.
Do abattoirs need CCTV?
Based on various reports in the media, the industry has struggled to adapt to the law leaving animal activists up in arms.
Over the past few years there has been a rise in animal activism in the food industry, with particular focus on abattoirs. Coupled with issues of compliance, this presents a whole host of other potential issues to owners and operators of abattoirs.
Abattoirs not only have to deal with the changes in the law, they are now faced with activists gaining access to their premises, protesting and causing mass disruption to their commercial activity.
To help these businesses with these additional threats, there are a few additional security systems we can design, install and highly recommend:
- Where businesses in this sector don’t have full time security professionals in place, remotely monitored CCTV systems can be used to monitor your whole site, inside and out. This investment will protect you from breaching the law and help to spot potential threats, such as angry activists protesting and trying to get into your premises.
- To manage the flow of visitors in and out of your premises a video intercom system will help keep out any unwanted or unexpected visitors. When someone arrives at your premises unexpectedly, they ring the buzzer and need to be approved access.
- An effective and robust security alarm system, will help deter potential protesters and activists from breaking and entering or vandalising property and equipment.
Need help complying with the law?
Concerned your current security systems won’t protect you from animal activists and protesters?
Talk to the team today or call us now to discuss your immediate requirements.on 0800 689 1835
