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Animal Welfare at slaughter and killing for disease control

Unit 3 - Handling principles and Resource and Management-based
measures at the slaughterhouse

Dear colleagues, welcome to this Unit dedicated to define, in detail, the role of the Competent Authority at
slaughterhouse.

We will also explain the role of business operators and their duties, as provided by the EC Regulation
1099/2009.

We will introduce animal handling principles and Resource- and Management-based measures during
unloading, at lairage and during restraint.
Welcome in the module where the focus is on defining in detail the handling principles and Resource-and
Management-based measures at the slaughterhouse.
We will help you to better understand the roles of the business operators, the animal welfare officer and
the competent authority.
Then we will talk about the animal welfare in pre-stunning management procedures.
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Further, we will introduce animal handling principles and Resource- and

Management-based measures. We will know would get to know the influence of the design of facilities and
equipment in the pre-stunning management: during handling including unloading, at lairage and during
restraint.

The learning is to understand the importance of role and competence in slaughterhouses for:
• the Business Operator

• the Animal Welfare Officer

• the Competent Authority.

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<Business Operator>
Business Operator is any natural or legal person having under its control an undertaking carrying out the
killing of animals or any related operations falling within the scope of this Regulation (Art. 2(l)).

< Animal Welfare Officer >

The Animal Welfare Officer is designated by, and is under the direct authority of the business operator.
He/She reports directly to him/her on matters relating to the welfare of the animals. He/She is in a position
to require that the slaughterhouse personnel carry out any remedial actions necessary to ensure
compliance with the rules laid down in EC Regulation 1099/2009 (Art. 17(1-2)).

<Competent Authority>
Competent Authority is the central authority of a Member State competent to ensure compliance with the
requirements of this Regulation or any other authority to which that central authority has delegated that
competence (Art 2(q)).
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Pop-up <responsibility for the welfare of animals>

Art. 3 – “General requirements for killing and related operations”
Art. 5 – “Checks on stunning”
Art. 6 – “Standard operating procedures”
Art. 16 – “Monitoring procedures at slaughterhouses”
Art. 22 – “Non-compliance”

Pop-up <personnel is competent>

Art. 7 – “Level and certificate of competence”
Art. 17 – “Animal welfare officer”
Art. 9 – “Use of restraining and stunning equipment”

Pop-up <slaughterhouse is licensed>

Art. 14 – “Layout, construction and equipment of slaughterhouses”
Art. 15 – “Handling and restraining operations at slaughterhouses”
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More info <Regulation>

Council Regulation (EC) No 1099/2009, Art. 17(6)
Animal Welfare Officer
6. Paragraphs 1 to 5 shall not apply to slaughterhouses slaughtering less than 1 000 livestock units of
mammals or 150 000 birds or rabbits per year.
For the purpose of the first subparagraph, “livestock unit” means a standard measurement unit that allows
the aggregation of the various categories of livestock in order to enable them to be compared.
When applying the first subparagraph, Member States shall use the following conversion rates:
(a) adult bovine animals within the meaning of Council Regulation (EC) No 1234/2007 of
22 October 2007 establishing
(b) a common organisation of agricultural markets and on specific provisions for certain agricultural
products (Single CMO Regulation) and equidae: 1 livestock unit;
(c) other bovine animals: 0,50 livestock unit;
(d) pigs with a live weight of over 100 kg: 0,20 livestock unit;
(e) other pigs: 0,15 livestock unit;
(f) sheep and goats: 0,10 livestock unit;
(g) lambs, kids and piglets of less than 15 kg live weight: 0,05 livestock unit.
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More info <Regulations>

EC Regulation 1099/2009, Art. 16

“Monitoring procedures at slaughterhouses”
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More info <Regulations>

Council Regulation (EC) No1099/2009, Art. 15

Handling and restraining operations at slaughterhouses
3. The following methods of restraint shall be prohibited:
(a) suspending or hoisting conscious animals;
(b) mechanical clamping or tying of the legs or feet of animals;
(c) severing the spinal cord, such as by the use of a puntilla or dagger;
(d) the use of electric currents to immobilise the animal that do not stun or kill it under controlled circumstances, in
particular, any electric current application that does not span the brain.
However, points (a) and (b) shall not apply to the shackles used for poultry.

Council Regulation (EC) No1099/2009, Annex III, under 1.8 where it is stated that it is strictly prohibited to:
(a) strike or kick the animals;
(b) apply pressure to any particularly sensitive part of the body in such a way as to cause animals avoidable pain or
suffering;
(c) lift or drag the animals by the head, ears, horns, legs, tail or fleece, or handle them in such a way as to cause
them pain or suffering;
however, the prohibition on lifting animals by their legs shall not apply to poultry, rabbits and hares;
(d) use prods or other implements with pointed ends;
(e) twist, crush or break the tails of animals or grasp the eyes of any animal.
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<Staff>
 Knowledge of the basic behavioural patterns and the needs of the species (Art. 2(c))
 Signs of consciousness and sensibility (Art. 5(1))
 Technical expertise in the use of the stunning and restraining equipment (Art. 9(1))
 Knowledge and understanding of the sections within the Standard Operating Procedures that are relevant
to the tasks carried out by him/her
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<Animal Welfare Officer>

• Knowledge of the basic behavioural patterns and the needs of the species (Art. 2(c))
• Signs of consciousness and sensibility (Art. 5(1))
• Technical expertise in the use of the stunning and restraining equipment (Art. 9(1))
• Technical competence to provide relevant guidance
1. for slaughter line-design, operation and management,
2. for developing and amending Standard Operating Procedures
3. on personnel training management.

More info <Regulations>

Council Regulation (EC) 1099/2009, Art. 7

Level and certificate of competence
• 1. Killing and related operations shall only be carried out by persons with the appropriate level of competence
to do so without causing the animals any avoidable pain, distress or suffering;
• 2. Business operators shall ensure that the following slaughter operations are only carried out by persons
holding a certificate of competence for such operations, as provided for in Art. 21, demonstrating their ability to
carry them out in accordance with the rules laid down in this Regulation:
(a) the handling and care of animals before they are restrained;
(b) the restraint of animals for the purpose of stunning or killing;
(c) the stunning of animals;
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(d) the assessment of effective stunning;

(e) the shackling or hoisting of live animals;
(f) the bleeding of live animals;
(g) the slaughtering in accordance with Art. 4(4).
• 3. Without prejudice to the obligation set out in paragraph 1 of this Art., the killing of fur animals shall be
carried out in the presence and under the direct supervision of a person holding a certificate of competence as
referred to in Art. 21 issued for all the operations carried out under his supervision. Business operators of fur farms
shall notify the competent authority in advance when animals are to be killed.

Art. 21(1)
Member States shall designate the competent authority responsible for:
• ensuring that training courses are available for personnel involved in killing and related operations;
• delivering certificates of competence attesting the passing of an independent final examination; the subjects
of this examination shall be relevant for the categories of animals concerned and correspond to the operations
referred to in Art. 7(2) and (3), and to the subjects set out in Annex IV.

Pop up <official control>

"Official control" means any form of control that the competent authority performs for the verification of
compliance with food law, including animal health and animal welfare rules (EC Regulation 854/2004,
art.2(a))

Pop up <Competent Authority>

“Competent Authority”
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Such co-operation and support is envisaged in Article 20 of Council Regulation (EC) No 1099/2009 where
each Member State is to ensure that sufficient independent scientific support is available to the Competent
Authorities should they seek it on such matters as:
• 1. The development of stunning methods
• 2. The development of guides to good practice
• 3. Opinions on user instructions developed by manufacturer’s of stunning and restraining
equipment

This support may be provided via collaborative networks.

More info <Regulations>

EC Regulation 1099/2009, Art. 20

Scientific support
1. Each Member State shall ensure that sufficient independent scientific support is available to assist the
competent authorities, upon their request, by providing:
(a) scientific and technical expertise relating to the approval of slaughterhouses as referred to in Art. 14(2)
and the development of new stunning methods;
(b) scientific opinions on the instructions provided by manufacturers on the use and maintenance of
restraining and stunning equipment;
(c) scientific opinions on guides to good practice developed within its territory for the purposes of this
Regulation;
(d) recommendations for the purposes of this Regulation, in particular in relation to inspections and audits;
(e) opinions on the capacity and suitability of separate bodies and entities to fulfil the requirements laid
down in Art. 21(2).
2. Scientific support may be provided via a network, subject to all the tasks listed in paragraph 1 being
performed with respect to all the relevant activities taking place in the Member States concerned.
For this purpose, each Member State shall identify a single contact point and make it publicly available via
the Internet. Such contact point shall be responsible for sharing technical and scientific information and best
practices regarding the implementation of this Regulation with its counterparts and the Commission
EC Regulation 1099/2009, Art. 20
Scientific support
1. Each Member State shall ensure that sufficient independent scientific support is available to
assist the competent authorities, upon their request, by providing: (a) scientific and technical
expertise relating to the approval of slaughterhouses as referred to in Art. 14(2) and the
development of new stunning methods;
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(b) scientific opinions on the instructions provided by manufacturers on the use and maintenance of
restraining and stunning equipment;
(c) scientific opinions on guides to good practice developed within its territory for the purposes of this
Regulation;
(d) recommendations for the purposes of this Regulation, in particular in relation to inspections and
audits;
(e) opinions on the capacity and suitability of separate bodies and entities to fulfil the requirements
laid down in Art. 21(2).
2. Scientific support may be provided via a network, subject to all the tasks listed in paragraph 1 being
performed with respect to all the relevant activities taking place in the Member States concerned.
For this purpose, each Member State shall identify a single contact point and make it publicly available via
the Internet. Such contact point shall be responsible for sharing technical and scientific information and
best practices regarding the implementation of this Regulation with its counterparts and the Commission.

More info <Maximum>

The Competent Authority shall know the maximum throughput per hour of each slaughter-line (Art 14(a)) and the
capacity of each lairage area (Art14(c)) for the slaughterhouse where they are in charge.
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<Facilities>
Slaughtering facilities represent, for animals, a completely new environment, so they could cause stress for
them.
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<People>
The handlers approach should be to minimise stress when handling the animals. Animal handlers should
be experienced and competent in handling and moving livestock, and understand the behaviour patterns
of animals and the underlying principles necessary to carry out their tasks.

<Animals>
The handlers approach should be to minimise stress when handling the animals. Animal handlers should
be experienced and competent in handling and moving livestock, and understand the behaviour patterns
of animals and the underlying principles necessary to carry out their tasks.

<More info>
It is important…
… …for Competent Authorities and slaughterhouse workers to know the basics of animal behaviour. A good
knowledge about normal behaviour allows easier handing and decreases the detrimental impact of pre-
stunning procedures on the animals.
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<Vocalisations>
Sheep do not vocalize when they feel threatened while goats vocalise to communicate with their peers. In
pigs, vocalisation pitch is an important criterion and an indicator that is often used when assessing
operations at the slaughterhouse.

<Visual signals>
Ears, tail and body posture are also used to a lesser extent as a means of communication or signalling, e.g.
in pigs ears held back along the neck to indicate fearfulness and tail erect and upward signals danger. A
depressed tail is typical of a submissive pig whereas a curled tail is a sign of a good welfare. Tilting or
inclining the head is submissive, but arching the back is a threat.
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<Arousal levels>
In the farm environment, animal activity or arousal level ranges from sleep (or eating) at one end, to fight
or flight reactions at the other.
The lowest arousal level is during sleeping and eating.

< Raising arousal to mid-level during handling >

When animals have to be handled the objective is to raise activity levels to the point where they are moving
in the right direction at the right speed.

< Maintaining the mid-arousal level >

If handlers increase arousal levels too much, animals become alarmed, fearful and perhaps even aggressive
(e.g. pigs). They are more difficult to direct and therefore control; handling takes longer and stress levels
increase.
Some animals, when alarmed, may attempt to jump out the pens (e.g. sheep).
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<Sheep>
Strong flocking and following behaviour tends to make sheep easier to handle compared to other livestock
species, provided this aspect of their behaviour is taken into account.

<Pigs>
Pigs are gregarious animals: pigs move to the sight of other pigs moving ahead of them.
They feel safer in groups, therefore, it is much easier to handle – move them – in groups.

<Cattle>
Cattle like to follow each other. Each animal should be able to see the one ahead of it. Gates in a chute
need to be see-through gates, so cattle can see the animal ahead. If the animal views a dead-end, it will
baulk.
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Pop-up <species>
Pigs are omnivores and have teeth, and are better equipped to fight off a predator and generally have a smaller
flight zone than grazing species such as sheep or even cattle. More docile breeds, and animals that have had positive
handling experiences on farm, will also tend to have a smaller flight zone.
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The picture shows how to move animals using the flight zone.
At the beginning handlers should stand on the edge of the flight zone, behind and to one side, then he will
step just inside the flight zone boundary to make the animal move. The point of balance is a line drawn
through the animal’s shoulder; the handler can use it to control and direct movement.
An animal moves forward if the handler is behind the point of balance and backwards if the handler is in
front of the point of balance.
As the animal moves forward, the handler should move forward with it, staying just inside the flight zone.
The direction of movement can be controlled by moving from one side of the animal to the other to keep it
moving forward and straight; if the handler moves outside the flight zone and stops, the animal will also
stop moving.

<More info>
Handlers can increase or decrease the size of the flight zone, and to some extent the response of the
animal, by their approach. Being quiet and calm reduces the size of the flight zone; increasing levels of
noise or activity from the handler will increase the size of the flight zone.
For more details, please visit the following website:
Understanding Flight Zone and Point of Balance for Low Stress Handling of Cattle, Sheep, and Pigs.
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Pop up <Handling tools>

The Council Regulation (EC) No 1099/2009, in Annex III, defines which handling procedures shall be avoided
and which tools are prohibited:

•1.8. It shall be prohibited to:

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a) strike or kick the animals;

b) apply pressure to any particularly sensitive part of the body in such a way as to cause animals
avoidable pain or suffering;
c) lift or drag the animals by the head, ears, horns, legs, tail or fleece, or handle them in such a way as
to cause them pain or suffering; however, the prohibition on lifting animals by their legs shall not
apply to poultry, rabbits and hares;
d) use prods or other implements with pointed ends;
e) twist, crush or break the tails of animals or grasp the eyes of any animal.
•1.9. The use of instruments which administer electric shocks shall be avoided as far as possible. In any
case, such instruments shall only be used for adult bovine animals and adult pigs which refuse to move, and
only when they have room ahead of them in which to move. The shocks shall last no longer than one
second, be adequately spaced and shall only be applied to the muscles of the hindquarters. Shocks shall not
be used repeatedly if the animal fails to respond.

More info <Official Veterinarian>

The task of the Official Veterinarian is to check compliance with the legislation including animal handling procedures
that might be detrimental to the welfare of the animals.

Pop-up <control points>

Good control points have to be specific: words such as properly, sufficient, and adequate are not readily quantifiable
and should not be used as they mean different things to different people.
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In Unit 2, the main Animal-based measures to evaluate the welfare of animals have been described. In this
topic, we will describe two additional types of welfare measure, Resource- and Management-based
measures, the control points and the standard operating procedures. You will find all the legal
requirements that shall be enforced by the business operators in the slaughterhouse concerning the pre-
stunning operations.
After a general introduction, separate sections will deal with the handling of animals (including unloading
procedures), lairage and restraint.

More info <Legal requirements>

The design of unloading area is not specifically described in Council Regulation (EC) No 1099/2009 but legal
requirements for this phase are given in EC Regulation 1/2005: given the relevance of unloading to animal
welfare in slaughterhouses, an overview of the duties of the Competent Authority during unloading
assessment will be provided.
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The premises and equipment design of the slaughter facilities is a prerequisite for minimising pain, suffering
and fear.

Council Regulation (EC) 1099/2009, Annex II, specifies the obligations for layout of slaughterhouses.
Other indications regarding layout of facilities:
•EC Regulation No 853/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council lays down specific hygiene
rules for food of animal origin;

•the OIE standards for slaughter of animals indicate a number of recommendations on lairage design and
construction in Art. 7.5.3.

More info <Regulations>

EU Regulation 1099/2009, Chapter III, Art. 14
Layout, construction and equipment of slaughterhouses:
1. Business operators shall ensure that the layout and construction of slaughterhouses and the equipment
used there in comply with the rules set out in Annex II.
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EU Regulation 853/2004, Annex III

Specific Requirements, Section I: Meat of domestic ungulates, Chapter II: Requirements for
slaughterhouses
Food business operators must ensure that the construction, layout and equipment of slaughterhouses in
which domestic ungulates are slaughtered meet the following requirements.
1.(a) Slaughterhouses must have adequate and hygienic lairage facilities or, climate permitting, waiting
pens that are easy to clean and disinfect. These facilities must be equipped for watering the animals and, if
necessary, feeding them. The drainage of the wastewater must not compromise food safety. […]
(c) The size of the lairage facilities must ensure that the welfare of the animals is respected. Their layout
must facilitate ante-mortem inspections, including the identification of the animals or groups of animals.
Chapter II: Requirements for slaughterhouses
Food business operators must ensure that the construction, layout and equipment of slaughterhouses in
which poultry or lagomorphs are slaughtered meet the following requirements.
1. They must have a room or covered space for the reception of the animals and for their inspection before
slaughter.
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< Appropriate conditions for animals >

Appropriate conditions for receiving animals, to provide comfort and proper care during the period of
accommodation, allowing animals to rest after transportation.

< Ability to handle the animals with care >

Ability to handle the animals with care, causing the minimum of fear and prevent injuries.

< Observation of the animals >

Observation of the animals, in particular to detect any abnormality that may be cause of suffering.

< Safety of people >

Finally, the design of premises and equipment must ensure the safety of people, which also determines the
proper treatment of animals by humans.
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More info <Regulations>

Council Regulation (EC) No 1099/2009, Annex II
2.2.Raps and bridges shall be equipped with lateral protection to ensure that animals cannot fall off.
Council Regulation (EC) No 1/2005, Chapter III, Paragraph 1: loading and unloading
1.5 Lightning: Appropriate lighting shall be provided during loading and unloading.
Council Regulation (EC) No 853/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council, Annex III, Section II, Chapter II
Requirements for slaughterhouses:
1)They must have a room or covered space for the reception of the animals and for their inspection before
slaughter.
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Pop-up by selecting <Regulations>

EC Regulation 1099/2009, Chapter III, Annex II

Art. 2.1: Pens, passageways and races shall be designed and constructed to allow:
(a) the animals to move freely in the required direction using their behavioural characteristics and without
distraction.
(b) pigs or sheep to walk side by side, except in the case of races leading to the restraining equipment.
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More info <Regulations>

“Animals shall be unloaded as quickly as possible after arrival and subsequently slaughtered without undue
delay” (Annex III 1.2).
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Box <reception conditions>

Art. 2(2a): create and maintain good reception conditions for animals

Box < facilities used for killing>

Art. 3(3): Regular checks on design, structure, maintenance and operation of the facilities used for killing and related
operations

Box <accomodation>
Annex III, 2.1: choose a suitable accommodation (individual or collective) for each category of animals

Box <facilities manteinance>

Annex III, 1.2: Animals shall be unloaded as quickly as possible after arrival and subsequently slaughtered without
undue delay. Animals which have not been slaughtered within 12 hours of their arrival shall be fed, and
subsequently given moderate amounts of food at appropriate intervals. In such cases, the animals shall be provided
an appropriate amount of bedding or equivalent material which guarantees a level of comfort appropriate to the
species and the number of animals concerned. This material shall guarantee an efficient drainage or ensure
adequate absorption of urine and faeces.

Box <ventilation systems>

Annex II, 1.1: ensure that ventilation system are present to ensure the welfare of the animals

Box <weather conditions>

Annex II, 2.6: take into account weather conditions and anticipate the use of facilities located outside

Box <water supply>

Annex II, 2.3, 2.6; Annex III, 1.6: control water supply

Box <lairage facilities>

Annex II, 1.3: ensure that lairage facilities are constructed so as to minimise the risk of injuries
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Box <animal care>

Annex III, 2.5: provide the necessary care and observe the animals during lairage

Box <conditions of accomodation>

Annex III, 2.2: keep animals securely in the lairage and care shall be taken to prevent them from escaping and to
protect them from predators.
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Fit animal
Move them to individual or group housing and house them by category (e.g. per age classes).

Unfit or weakened animals

Abnormal or weakened animals should be isolated in a designated area where specific care can be
administered (e.g. isolation pen) (Annex II 2.4).
The picture shows the isolation of an exhausted pig to allow recuperation.

Animals with specific characteristics (including dangerous animals)

Use the housing suited to each category (e.g. high enclosure for bulls; housing box for a cow with big horns).
The layout should cater for different animal categories, and the choice of accommodation by type of animal
must be provided in the SOPs.
Identify the priority by determining which animals have specific welfare needs and the corresponding
measures to be taken (Annex III, 1).

Council Regulation (EC) No 1099/2009, Annex III, (1)

The arrival, moving and handling of animals

1.1. The welfare conditions of each consignment of animals shall be systematically assessed by the
animal welfare officer or a person reporting directly to the animal welfare officer upon arrival in
order to identify the priorities, in particular by determining which animals have specific welfare
needs and the corresponding measures to be taken.
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More info <Regulations>

Council Regulation (EC) No1099/2009, Annex III, (1.10, 2.1)

Operational rules for slaughterhouses
1. The arrival, moving and handling of animals
1.10. Animals shall not be tied by the horns, antlers or nose rings and their legs shall not be tied together. When
animals need to be tied, ropes, tethers or other means used shall be:
(a) Strong enough not to break;
(b) Such as to allow the animals, if necessary, to lie down and to eat and drink;
(c) Designed in such a way as to eliminate any danger of strangulation or injury, and so as to allow animals to be
quickly released.
2. Additional rules for mammals in lairage (except for rabbits and hares)
2.1. Each animal shall have enough space to stand up, lie down and, except for cattle kept individually, turn around.
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Pop-up <each facility>

E.g. as pigs like to lie down on top of each other they often occupy only a portion of the boxes. The trend is
to put a lot of pigs in a box for this reason.

More info <Regulations>

Council Regulation (EC) No1099/2009, Art. 14, Annex III (2.1)

Layout, construction and equipment of slaughter
“...business operators shall, when requested, submit to the competent authority referred to in Art. 4 of
Regulation (EC) No 853/2004 for each slaughterhouse at least the following:
(c) The maximum capacity for each lairage area.”

Council Regulation (EC) No1099/2009, Annex III

2. Additional rules for mammals in lairage (except for rabbits and hares)
2.1. Each animal shall have enough space to stand up, lie down and, except for cattle kept individually, turn
around.
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Pop-up <litter>
If litter is used, it must be of good quality, and stored in a clean and dry place.

… Therefore, ventilation is essential and must be effective to avoid birds becoming distressed due to heat stress.
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Where poultry transport vehicles without forced ventilation are used, modules/crates must be unloaded as
soon as possible after arrival at the slaughterhouse. If a delay in unloading is unavoidable, the
modules/crates must be protected from adverse weather conditions and provided with adequate
ventilation.

Prevailing climatic conditions must be taken into account when spacing crates/modules in the lairage. For
example, in high environmental temperatures spacing between crates must be increased to give better
ventilation.
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Box <Piglets>
It is advisable to give them a heat source when the temperature is low.

Box<Pigs>
It is advisable to remove the showering phase, intended to calm the animal, in situations of low
temperature.
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Pop up <type of animal>

E.g. adult cattle and calves raised outside at pasture, but it is not recommended for calves or pigs raised in closed
premises.

More info <Regulations>

Council Regulation (EC) No1099/2009, Annex II, (2.6)
2.6. Where slaughterhouses have field lairages without natural shelter or shade, appropriate protection from
adverse weather conditions shall be provided. In the absence of such protection, these lairages shall not be used
under adverse weather conditions. In the absence of a natural source of water, drinking facilities shall be provided.
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Pop-up <Regulations>

Council Regulation (EC) No1099/2009, Annex III

1.4. When containers are put one on top of the other, the necessary precautions shall be taken:
(a) to limit urine and faeces falling on the animals placed underneath;
(b) to ensure stability of the containers;
(c) to ensure that ventilation is not impeded.
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More info <Regulations>

Council Regulation (EC) No1099/2009, Chapter II, Art.3

2. For the purposes of paragraph 1, business operators shall, in particular, take the necessary measures to
ensure that animals:
(e) do not suffer from prolonged withdrawal of feed or water.

Council Regulation (EC) No1099/2009, Annex III

Operational rules for slaughterhouses
1. The arrival, moving and handling of animals
1.2. Animals which have not been slaughtered within 12 hours of their arrival shall be fed, and subsequently
given moderate amounts of food at appropriate intervals.
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Some animals (e.g. sheep) may not drink from unfamiliar water sources (sometimes they may eat but not
drink).

Picture 1 shows that the drinker for cattle is not in good condition; it could cause injury or slipping, not
prevents the animals soiling and not ensures that the animals always have available water.
Picture 2 shows a well-designed drinker for cattle.

More info <Regulations>

Council Regulation (EC) No1099/2009, Annex III, 1.6

Operational rules for slaughterhouses
1.6. Mammals, except rabbits and hares, which are not taken directly to the place of slaughter after being
unloaded, shall have drinking water available to them from appropriate facilities at all times.

Council Regulation (EC) No1099/2009, Annex II

Layout, construction and equipment of slaughterhouses
2. Lairage facilities for animals not delivered in containers
2.3. The water supply system in pens shall be […] maintained so as to allow all animals at all times access to
clean water without being injured or limited in their movements.
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More info <Regulations>

Council Regulation (EC) No1099/2009, Annex II

Layout, construction and equipment of slaughterhouses
1.3: Lairage facilities shall be designed and constructed so as to minimize the risk of injuries to the animals
[…]
2.4. When a waiting pen is used, it shall be constructed with a level floor and solid sides, between the
holding pens and the race leading to the point of stunning and designed so that animals cannot be trapped
or trampled.
2.5: Floors shall be built and maintained in such a way as to minimize the risk of animals slipping, falling or
injuring their feet
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More info <Regulations>

Council Regulation (EC) No1099/2009, Annex III

Operational rules for slaughterhouses
2.4. Every day that the slaughterhouse operates, before any animal arrives, isolation pens for animals that
require specific care shall be prepared and kept ready for immediate use.

Council Regulation (EC) No1099/2009, Annex III

Specific Requirements Section I: Meat of domestic ungulates, chapter II: Requirements for slaughterhouses;
premises and equipment
1. Lairage
The food business operators must ensure that the construction, layout and equipment of slaughterhouses in
which domestic ungulates are slaughtered meet the requirements below:
...
b) They must also have a separate lockable facilities or, climate permitting, pens for sick or suspect animals,
equipped with a separate draining and located so as to avoid contamination of other animals, unless the
competent authority considers that such facilities are not necessary.
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State of health
The condition and state of health of the animals at lairage shall be regularly inspected by the animal welfare
officer or a person having appropriate competence (Annex III 2.5).

Animal observation
Race lanes and resting pens shall be constructed in a manner that allows the observation of the animals
during their accommodation in order to detect any abnormality.
Portable lighting shall be provided to enable the inspection of animals at any time (Annex
II 1.4).

Visible signs
In each pen there will be indicated, with a visible sign, the date and time of arrival and, except for cattle
kept individually, the maximum number of animals to be kept (Annex III
2.3).

More info <Regulations>

Council Regulation (EC) No1099/2009, Chapter III, Annex II

Art. 1.4: Lairage facilities shall be designed and constructed so as to facilitate the inspection of the animals.
Adequate fixed or portable lighting shall be provided to enable the inspection of animals at any time.
Council Regulation (EC) No1099/2009, Chapter III, Annex III
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2.3. For each pen it shall be indicated with a visible sign the date and time of arrival and, except for cattle kept
individually, the maximum number of animals to be kept. […]
2.5. The condition and state of health of the animals in a lairage shall be regularly inspected by the animal welfare
officer or a person having appropriate competence.

In order to assure that elements required by the Regulation are covered, these problems and solutions
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could be included within the Standard Operating Procedures:

•Daily management of the operations (e.g. Art. 6.1 says “BO shall plan in advance the killing of animals…”)

•Management of the facilities (pre-stunning, stunning and restraining) (with reference to Art. 8 and Art. 9)
For more information, please see again Unit 2.

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Council Regulation (EC) No1099/2009, Annex III

Operational rules for slaughterhouses
2. Additional rules for mammals in lairage (except for rabbits and hares)
2.2. Animals shall be kept securely in the lairage and care shall be taken to prevent them from escaping and to
protect them from predators.
2.5. The condition and state of health of the animals in a lairage shall be regularly inspected by the animal welfare
officer or a person having appropriate competence.

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Council Regulation (EC) No1099/2009, Art. 15
Handling and restraining operations at slaughterhouses
2. Business operators shall ensure that the operational rules for slaughterhouses set out in Annex III are complied
with.
Science and technical progress are made with regard to the handling and restraint of animals at slaughterhouses.
Modern stunning and restraining equipment is increasingly complex and sophisticated, requiring specific expertise
and analysis.
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3. The following methods of restraint shall be prohibited:

(a) suspending or hoisting conscious animals;
(b) mechanical clamping or tying of the legs or feet of animals;
(c) severing the spinal cord, such as by the use of a puntilla or dagger;
(d) the use of electric currents to immobilise the animal that do not stun or kill it under controlled circumstances, in
particular, any electric current application that does not span the brain.
However, points (a) and (b) shall not apply to the shackles used for poultry.
4. To take account of scientific and technical progress, including an opinion of EFSA; Annex III may be amended in
accordance with the procedure referred to in Art. 25(2).

Consider that business operator shall indicate the categories of animals and weights for which the
restraining equipment available may be used (Art 14(b)).
Remember that taking account of science and technical progress, the Annex III, with specific rules on
handling and restraining operations at slaughterhouses, may be amended (Art 15(4)).
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Council Regulation (EC) No1099/2009, Annex II, 3.1

3. Restraining equipment and facilities
3.1.Restraining equipment and facilities shall be designed, built and maintained to:
(a) Optimize the application of the stunning or killing method;
(b) Prevent injury or contusions to the animals;
(c) Minimize struggle and vocalization when animals are restrained;
(d) Minimize the time of restraint.
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Council Regulation (EC) No1099/2009, Annex II

3. Restraining equipment and facilities
3.2. For animals of bovine species, restraining boxes used in conjunction with a pneumatic captive bolt shall be fitted
with a device that restricts both the lateral and vertical movement of the head of the animal.
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Council Regulation (EC) No1099/2009, Art. 9
1. Business operators shall draw up a record of maintenance. They shall keep those records for at least one year and
shall make them available to the competent authority upon request.
Annex II
2.5. The floors are ... maintained to minimize the risk of slipping, falling or injury to the feet of animals.
3.1 (b). (b) prevent injury or contusions to the animals.
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Application field
This procedure applies to management of facilities at all stages of the production cycle at slaughterhouse. It
focuses on unloading, lairage and restraining facilities. This procedure describes the recommendation for
maintenance and calibration of the stunning equipment.
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Aim
The aim of this procedure is to ensure that all equipment and those used for restraint are maintained and
checked in accordance with the manufacturers’ instructions.

Procedures responsibilities
Persons specifically trained and competent for that purpose are responsible for providing maintenance and
check of the records.