§ Mr. MacleanTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what assessment he has made of the total number of cattle and sheep inhumanely slaughtered in the United Kingdom in the last year for which figures are available. [72715]
§ Mr. Morley[holding answer 24 February 1999]Inhumane slaughter would contravene the Welfare of Animals (Slaughter or Killing) Regulations 1995 which implement the provisions of a 1993 EU Directive. The Meat Hygiene Service enforces these rules on a daily basis in licensed slaughterhouses and the State Veterinary Service monitors compliance on farms and other premises. It is not feasible to assess how many animals may have been slaughtered in contravention of the law: however, the Government seek full compliance with these regulations and does not hesitate to take action where there is evidence of contraventions. Prosecution action has been taken in 13 case since the regulations were introduced in April 1995.