MPs support calls for compulsory CCTV in abattoirs
"The support for compulsory CCTV is being strengthened by yet more footage showing bad practice."
MPs have said there is a strong case for compulsory CCTV in slaughterhouses following the release of secret footage that appears to show illegal practices at a South Yorkshire abattoir.
Animal rights group Animal Aid placed hidden cameras in the stunning area of N Bramall & Sons near Sheffield for a period of four days in mid-October.
The clips appear to show animals being forcibly moved, inexpertly stunned and workers laughing as an animal twitches on the floor. Animal Aid said their footage also shows a dairy cow’s udder exploding, sheep running in circles to avoid being stunned and a water buffalo attempting to jump out of a restraint box after seeing other animals being slaughtered.
A government vet was reportedly seen arguing with workers and, on two occasions, cow carcasses were brought to the slaughterhouse on a forklift truck and subsequently entered the food chain.
Animal Aid said the Food Standards Agency, which regulates animal welfare in slaughterhouses, has confirmed breaches of legislation at N Bramall & Sons.
Angela Smith MP commented: "The support for compulsory CCTV is being strengthened by yet more footage showing bad practice which is detrimental to animal welfare and also threatens public health. Distrust in abattoirs is growing and greater transparency is desperately needed.
"I would support compulsory CCTV but I would also say that abattoirs who are following legal processes and do not have anything to hide should install CCTV as a matter of voluntary good practice so that they do not lose trust and we can identify who the bad ones are that try to hide away.
"The public on the whole do not want to see animals treated in this way and the industry's reputation will be damaged."
Henry Smith MP added: "I believe a strong case for compulsory CCTV in all abattoirs exists and this unacceptable additional footage once again supports that case. I have supported the Animal Aid campaign and have led a number of debates in Parliament requesting the Government consider this.
“Clearly there are a concerning number of cases of abuse and bad practice which need to be stopped so that the public can be assured that abattoirs work to high standards. If they have nothing to hide the abattoirs should start to install CCTV as good practice. I will continue to push for this and believe I have the support of the majority of the public.”
Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.
