The German federal government has backed an initiative to introduce mandatory video surveillance in slaughterhouses. The corresponding draft amendment to animal welfare legislation has been approved by the Federal Cabinet.
The measure aims to improve animal welfare standards, enhance oversight of slaughter processes, and close existing gaps in enforcement. Video surveillance is expected to increase transparency and enable prompt responses to potential violations.
According to the proposal, mandatory video monitoring will primarily apply to large facilities. This includes slaughterhouses with an annual capacity exceeding 1,000 livestock units (equivalent to 1,000 cattle or 5,000 finishing pigs) or 150,000 poultry or rabbits. The approach is based on the premise that implementing video surveillance systems is more efficient in larger operations.
At the same time, the draft law предусматриває flexibility: regional authorities will be able to require video surveillance in smaller facilities if violations of animal welfare regulations are identified.
The new rules are expected to cover the majority of slaughter capacity in the country and contribute to raising industry standards.
PigUA.info, based on materials from pig333.com