Mandatory CCTV in slaughterhouses improves accountability for animal welfare during slaughter, with evidence showing it reduces welfare incidents and improves compliance.
CCTV in slaughterhouses represents a significant welfare governance advance. The knowledge of being observed improves behavior in slaughterhouse operatives, and CCTV evidence provides objective documentation for welfare enforcement actions. Before mandatory CCTV, welfare breaches in slaughterhouses were difficult to evidence and prosecute. Post-implementation data shows measurable reductions in welfare incidents. However, the full welfare benefit depends on active monitoring by qualified official veterinarians with authority to act on what they observe. Independent access to footage for external welfare verification would further strengthen the accountability framework.