Animal welfare at slaughter

1. Animals must be protected from avoidable pain and distress
2. Clear legal standards apply in Scotland
3. Only trained and competent staff may carry out slaughter operations
4. Food business operators are responsible for animal welfare
5. Official controls are in place to monitor animal welfare 

Protecting animal welfare at slaughter is a legal requirement and a core part of the food system in Scotland. Food Standards Scotland (FSS) and the Food Standards Agency (FSA) work to ensure animals are protected from avoidable pain, distress or suffering before and during slaughter through regulation, inspection, and interventions in approved slaughterhouses.

 We work to monitor and enforce animal welfare standards in all approved slaughterhouses in Scotland. Through official controls and oversight, we ensure that legal welfare requirements are met and that any poor practices are swiftly identified and addressed.