How mandatory CCTV in slaughterhouses improves animal welfare compliance, the evidence for its impact, and calls for universal adoption.
Slaughterhouse CCTV represents one of the clearest examples of oversight improving welfare outcomes. Without monitoring, the slaughter environment - high throughput, physical labor, animal resistance, and time pressure - creates conditions where welfare standards can be violated without consequence. CCTV changes this by creating accountability. Evidence from the mandatory UK scheme shows improved compliance with stunning requirements, reduced handling incidents, and greater accountability for welfare violations. The system is not perfect - review depends on veterinarian time and attention - but represents a meaningful welfare improvement over unmonitored environments.