§ Mrs. Ann CryerTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what proposals he has for changes in the regulations governing the slaughter of ostriches. [18539]
§ Mr. MorleyI am not proposing any changes to the Welfare of Animals (Slaughter or Killing) Regulations 1995 which set down detailed rules governing the methods of slaughter or killing of farmed animals including ostriches.
Ostriches may be slaughter on farm, or in premises specifically licensed to handle ostriches under the Poultry Meat, Farmed Game Bird Meat and Rabbit Meat (Hygiene and Inspection) Regulations 1995. We are also considering the possibility of amending the Fresh Meat (Hygiene and Inspection) Regulations 1995 to permit ostrich slaughter in red meat abattoirs which meet specific structural requirements.