Slaughterhouse welfare is overseen by Official Veterinarians (OVs) and since 2018, CCTV. Evidence shows that monitoring improves outcomes but coverage and enforcement quality remain variable.
Slaughterhouse welfare monitoring represents the last line of defence for animals entering slaughter. The moment of slaughter - when animals are most vulnerable, most stressed and most dependent on welfare-conscious handling - has historically been the least monitored stage of the production system. CCTV represents a structural improvement because it provides continuous coverage and retrospective review capability. However, CCTV is only effective if footage is actively reviewed, violations are identified and acted upon, and enforcement leads to outcomes that deter future violations. Current evidence suggests that CCTV improves welfare without eliminating violations, and that active review and enforcement protocols determine whether the welfare benefit is realised.