Several countries and regions now require CCTV monitoring in slaughterhouses. Evidence on whether this improves animal welfare outcomes is building, with generally positive but complex findings.
Slaughterhouse CCTV represents a practical welfare intervention with measurable effects on compliance. The evidence suggests that the presence of cameras -- and the knowledge that footage can be reviewed -- reduces welfare violations at the point of slaughter. However, CCTV is not a substitute for adequate official veterinary presence, good facility design, and trained stockpersons with genuine welfare commitment. Monitoring detects violations; it does not prevent them if the underlying conditions that cause violations are not addressed. The welfare case for CCTV is strongest when combined with responsive enforcement action when violations are detected.