Animal Aid's campaign for mandatory CCTV and independent monitoring in all UK slaughterhouses. Helping vets to see what happens in the stunning and slaughter areas when they cannot be present.

The Public Wants CCTV

SIGN PETITION
THE WELSH PUBLIC WANTS CCTV




Animal Aid’s Welsh Autumn 2019 poll revealed that the people of Wales show overwhelming support for CCTV for Welsh slaughterhouses. 79% of respondents either strongly supported (54%) or tended to support (25%) the need for compulsory CCTV for Welsh slaughterhouses. Just 4% of respondents tended to oppose (3%) or strongly opposed (2%) the measure. With (13%) expressing no strong feelings either way and the remaining (3%) responding with ‘don’t know’.

It’s high time the Welsh Government sat up and took note. The people of Wales are overwhelmingly supportive of CCTV for all Welsh slaughterhouses. Our recent investigation into a Welsh slaughterhouse revealed extensive issues with the treatment of animals at this most vulnerable point. Without our covert cameras in place, this horrendous situation may have continued, unchecked for some time. We have no reason to believe that standards are any better at other slaughterhouses. Time and again our covert cameras detect abuse. Mandatory CCTV with independent monitoring would help to better protect animals from additional abuse at slaughter.

Respondents were shown the following text before being asked if they support CCTV being made compulsory in slaughterhouses in Wales:

‘The use of CCTV cameras in slaughterhouses in Wales is not currently compulsory. Some argue that CCTV should not be compulsory, as they fear that the presence of CCTV could present an invasion of worker privacy. Others argue that CCTV would help protect animals from cruelty inside slaughterhouses, as it means that procedures can be independently monitored, allowing action to be taken against slaughterhouses that do not follow regulations.’

Many felt that the presence of independently monitored cameras would offer better protection against additional abuses for animals sent to slaughter in Wales.

All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 1,000 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 19th – 23rd September 2019. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all Welsh adults (aged 18+). Respondents were asked for their reaction to the following statement: ‘The use of CCTV cameras in slaughterhouses in Wales is not currently compulsory. Some argue that CCTV should not be compulsory, as they fear that the presence of CCTV could present an invasion of worker privacy. Others argue that CCTV would help protect animals from cruelty inside slaughterhouses, as it means that procedures can be independently monitored, allowing action to be taken against slaughterhouses that do not follow regulations. To what extent would you support or oppose making CCTV with independent monitoring of footage compulsory for all slaughterhouses in Wales?’

Sheep being thrown

These are some of the many messages of support from across the UK that we have received from the public.

‘Surely CCTV cameras would be a good idea? If operatives knew they were being watched and law-enforcement was a given with warnings, written warnings and possible unemployment such as is carried out in other work places then this could surely encourage better practice and reduce the suffering we have all now witnessed.’
Debbie W

‘…I just wanted to say a big thank you again for this investigation, and hope that it has brought the situation to light, and that it sends out a message that farm animals often face long stressful hours travelling to slaughterhouses and arrive frightened and stressed, without spending their last minutes being subjected to unnecessary cruelty. Farm animals are sentient beings and deserve to be treated with care and compassion. I also hope this investigation does lead to CCTV being installed, and prevent these situations from ever happening again!’
Rebecca W

‘[I]t is time that the Meat Hygiene Service Inspectors installed CCTV and monitored all abattoirs to monitor the actions of the slaughter men and staff dealing with the animals to prevent cruel practices taking place.’
Terence C

‘CCTV would help to protect the animals within these abattoirs and ensure that their deaths are dealt with humanely and without this unnecessary cruelty. Should such cruelty take place, the necessary prosecutions can be carried out against the individuals responsible.’
Claire B

‘I saw the footage on the pig abuse on Sky news this morning. It is simply shocking. I have always wondered how abattoirs are monitored for humane animal treatment. To install CCTV cameras is an excellent idea.’
Gillian G

‘So angry at the inept and cruel practices in slaughterhouses. They do seem to attract more than their fair share of sadists. The inability to even perform a clean stun would suggest a lack of supervision. In most jobs if you cannot perform your work, you would be dismissed. So many very basic animal welfare breaches. What are the FSA people actually doing in there?’
Dianne S