The Guide to Good Practice: Welfare at Slaughter

This updated version of "The Guide to Good Practice: Welfare at Slaughter" provides guidance on the humane treatment of animals prior to and during slaughter or killing in slaughterhouses and on premises other than slaughterhouses (e.g. on farm) in order to safeguard or improve welfare conditions for animals.

It applies to the UK and complements (but does not replace) the provisions of the Welfare of Animals at the Time of Killing Regulations (England) 2015 (WATOK), which implements Council Regulation 1099/2009/EC on the protection of animals at the time of killing in England (similar legislation applies in the devolved administrations). It provides advice on how compliance can be achieved as well as giving additional guidance on best practice.

This guidance is intended to supplement and inform the practices of Food Business Operators (FBOs). It is not intended to replace thorough and ongoing good practice by an FBO on a site-by-site basis.

Download The Guide to Good Practice: Welfare at Slaughter (PDF 872kb)