LegalizeS.I. No. 311/2010 - European Communities (Welfare of farmed animals) Regulations 2010
This is the act as published. Later amendments are not folded into the text below: each one is a separate act in this repository and an entry in this law's history.
4 amending acts · 2019-07-12, S.I. No. 337/2019 - European Union (Animal Health) (Adaptation And Miscellaneous Amendmen…
Each building used to keep or rear laying hens shall have light levels that are sufficient to allow laying hens to see one another and be seen clearly, to investigate their surroundings visually and show normal levels of activity. Where there is natural light, light apertures shall be placed in a manner that light is distributed evenly within the accommodation.
After the first days of conditioning, lighting shall follow a 24 hour cycle, include an uninterrupted period of darkness of approximately eight hours so that the laying hens may rest and avoid problems such as immuno-depression and ocular anomalies and, otherwise, be such as to prevent health and behavioural problems. An adequate period of twilight, when the light is dimmed and which facilitates the laying hens setting down without disturbance or injury, shall be provided.
Without prejudice to paragraph 6, parts of buildings, equipment, machinery or other utensils that may come into contact with laying hens shall be thoroughly cleansed and disinfected at regular intervals.
On each occasion when depopulation is carried out, parts of buildings, equipment, machinery or other utensils that may come into contact with laying hens shall be thoroughly cleansed and disinfected prior to the introduction of a new batch of laying hens.
While cages are occupied, they shall be kept satisfactorily clean.
Droppings must be removed as often as necessary and dead laying hens must be removed when found or, at a minimum, once a day.
Each cage shall be constructed in a manner that prevents a laying hen from escaping.
Accommodation that comprises two or more tiers of cages must have devices (or other appropriate measures must be taken) to facilitate inspection of each tier and removal of laying hens without difficulty.
A cage door must be designed and be of such dimensions that an adult laying hen may be removed without unnecessary suffering or sustaining injury.
Mutilation of a laying hen is, without prejudice to point 19 of the Annex of the General Welfare Directive, prohibited.
Beak trimming may only be undertaken by trained and competent personnel and the beaks of laying hens over 9 days old shall not be trimmed.
Regulation 13(a)
Schedule 3 Part 1 Conditions applicable to premises where chickens are kept for meat production.
1. Drinkers
Drinkers shall be positioned and maintained in such a way that spillage is minimised
2. Feeding
Feed shall be either continuously available or meal fed and must not be withdrawn from chickens more than 12 hours before the expected slaughter time.
3. Litter
All chickens shall have permanent access to litter that is dry and easily crumbled on the surface.
4. Ventilation and heating
Ventilation shall be sufficient to avoid a chicken overheating and shall operate, where necessary, in combination with heating systems to remove excessive moisture.
5. Noise
The sound level shall be minimised. Ventilation fans, feeding machinery or other equipment shall be constructed, placed, operated and maintained in such a way that they cause the least possible amount of noise.
6. Light
All buildings shall have lighting with an intensity of at least 20 lux during the lighting period, measured at birds-eye level and illuminating at least 80% of the usable area. A temporary reduction in lighting may be allowed when necessary following veterinary advice.
Within seven days of chickens being placed in a building until three days before the anticipated time of slaughter, lighting must follow a 24 hour rhythm and include periods of darkness lasting at least 6 hours, with one period of darkness of at least 4 hours, excluding dimming periods.
7. Inspection
All chickens kept for meat production must be inspected at least twice per day. Special attention must be paid to signs indicating a possible reduced level of welfare or health.
Chickens that are seriously injured or show evident signs of health disorder (such as those having difficulty in walking, abnormal accumulation of fluid or severe malformations), and are likely to suffer, shall receive appropriate treatment or be culled immediately.
A registered veterinary practitioner shall be contacted when necessary.
8. Cleaning
Those parts of a building, equipment, machinery or utensils in contact with chickens shall be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected every time final depopulation is carried out and before new birds are introduced into the building.
After final depopulation of a building, all litter must be removed and an adequate amount of clean litter that conforms to paragraph 3 provided.
9. Record keeping
The owner or keeper shall maintain an accurate record in respect of each building in which chickens are kept of—
- (a) the number of chickens introduced,
- (b) the useable area,
- (c) the hybrid or breed of the chickens,
- (d) the number of birds found dead after each inspection, with an indication of the cause of death, if known,
- (e) the number of birds culled after each inspection with the reasons for culling, and
- (f) the number of chickens remaining in the flock following the removal of chickens for sale or slaughter.
The records referred to in this paragraph shall be maintained for at least 3 years and be made available for inspection on request to an authorised officer.
10. Surgical intervention
All surgical interventions which result in damage to or loss of a sensitive part of the body or alteration of bone structure carried out for other than therapeutic reasons or diagnostic purposes are prohibited.
11. Castration
Castration of chickens shall only be carried out in accordance with the direction of a registered veterinary practitioner by persons trained in techniques of castration.
12. Beak trimming
Beak trimming may only be undertaken, after all other measures to prevent feather pecking and cannibalism have failed, by trained and competent personnel and the beaks of chickens over 9 days old shall not be trimmed.
Regulation 13 (b) (ii)
Part 2 Requirements for higher stocking densities
The owner or keeper shall inform the Minister, at least 15 days prior to the placement of a flock on the premises, of his or her intention to use a stocking density greater than 33 kilogrammes per square metre. The information shall state the exact stocking density proposed.
The owner or keeper shall maintain in each house to which a higher stocking density applies documentation describing in detail the production system and, in particular, it shall include technical detail relating to the building and equipment, including-
- (a) an accurate plan of the building including dimensions of areas occupied by chickens,
- (b) ventilation, and, if relevant, cooling and heating system, including their location, a ventilation plan detailing target air quality parameters, such as airflow, air speed and temperature,
- (c) feeding and watering systems and their location,
- (d) alarm systems and backup systems in the event of failure of any automated or mechanical equipment essential for the health and well being of the chickens, and
- (e) floor type and litter normally used.
The information maintained under this paragraph shall be kept updated and made available on request to an authorised officer.
The owner or keeper shall inform the Minister of any changes in a building, equipment or procedures used for the purposes of this Part.
The owner or keeper shall ensure that each building on a holding used for the purposes of this Part is equipped with ventilation and, if necessary, heating and cooling systems designed, constructed and operated in such a way that-
- (a) the concentration of ammonia (NH 3 ) does not exceed 20 parts per million and the concentration of carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) does not exceed 3,000 parts per million measured at the level of the chickens heads,
- (b) the inside temperature, when the outside temperature measures in the shade exceeds 30 degrees centigrade, does not exceed the outside temperature by more than 3 degrees centigrade, and
- (c) the average relative humidity measured inside the building during 48 hours does not exceed 70% when the outside temperature is below 10 degrees centigrade.
Regulation 13 (b) (iii)
Part 3 Criteria for further increasing stocking density
The monitoring of the premises by the Minister over the previous two year period did not show any deficiencies with respect to the requirements of Part 3 of these Regulations.
Regular monitoring by the owner or keeper is carried out using codes of practice prepared in accordance with Regulation 3.
In at least 7 consecutive, subsequently checked flocks from a house, the cumulative daily mortality rate is less than 1% + 0.6% x the slaughter age of the flock expressed in days.
If no monitoring was carried out in the previous two years, at least one inspection shall be carried out to verify compliance with paragraphs 1 to 3.
Despite paragraph 3, the Minister may permit an increase in stocking density if the owner or keeper provides sufficient explanation for the exceptional nature of a higher daily cumulative mortality rate or to show that the cumulative daily mortality rate is caused by factors beyond the owner’s or keeper’s control.
Regulation 14
Part 4 Training
An approved training course shall cover, at least, Community legislation concerning the protection of chickens and, in particular-
- (a) the matters referred to in this Schedule,
- (b) physiology, in particular drinking and feeding needs, animal behaviour and the concept of stress,
- (c) the practical aspects of the careful handling of chickens, catching loading and transporting chickens.
- (d) Emergency care for chickens, emergency killing and culling, and
- (e) Preventive biosecurity measures.
Regulation 16
Schedule 4 Part 1 Conditions under which calves and pigs should be kept
Materials used for the construction of accommodation and in particular boxes, stalls and equipment with which calves or pigs may come into contact shall not be harmful to the calves or pigs. Those parts of the accommodation with which an animal may come into contact shall be capable of being thoroughly cleansed and disinfected and shall be thoroughly cleansed and disinfected, using an approved disinfectant to prevent cross-infection and the build-up of disease-carrying organisms.
Electrical circuits and equipment shall be installed in accordance with the terms of the National Rules for Electrical Installations Second Edition 1991 (ET 101/1991) or any amendment, modification or replacement to those Rules.
Insulation, heating and ventilation of the building shall ensure that the air circulation, dust level, temperature, relative air humidity and gas concentrations are kept within limits which are not harmful to the calves or pigs.
All automated or mechanical equipment essential for the health and well-being of calves or pigs shall be inspected at least once daily. Where defects are discovered, these shall be rectified immediately or as soon as reasonable. In the meantime, all appropriate steps shall be taken to safeguard the health and well-being of the calves or pigs until the defect has been rectified, notably by using alternative methods of feeding and maintaining a satisfactory environment.
Where an artificial ventilation system is used, provision shall be made for an appropriate back-up system to guarantee sufficient air renewal to preserve the health and well-being of the calves or pigs in the event of the failure of the system, and an alarm system, independent of the mains electricity supply, shall be provided to inform the owner or person in charge of the breakdown or fire.
The alarm system shall be tested at least once a month and maintained in proper working order.
Calves and pigs shall not be kept permanently in darkness. To meet their behavioural and physiological needs, the accommodation shall be well lit by natural or artificial light, for at least 8 continuous hours each day. Every source of artificial light shall be mounted so as not to cause discomfort to the calves or pigs.
An adequate source of light shall be available to enable the calves or pigs to be properly inspected at any time.
All housed calves reared in groups or in individual pens shall be inspected by the owner or the person in charge at least twice daily. Calves kept outside, and pigs shall be inspected at least once daily.
Any calf or pig that appears to be ill or injured shall be treated appropriately without delay and veterinary advice shall be obtained as soon as possible for any calf or pig that is not responding to the care of the owner or person in charge.
Where necessary, sick or injured calves and pigs shall be isolated in adequate accommodation with dry, comfortable bedding.
A calf or pig shall be able to turn around easily unless such movement is contrary to specific advice from a registered veterinary practitioner.
Where tethers are used, they shall not cause injury to the calves and shall be inspected regularly and adjusted as necessary to ensure a comfortable fit.
Each tether shall be designed to avoid the risk of strangulation or injury and to allow the calf to move in accordance with paragraph 1 Part 2.
Housing, pens, equipment and utensils for calves and pigs shall be properly cleansed and disinfected to prevent cross-infection and the build-up of disease-carrying organisms. Faeces, urine and uneaten or spilt food shall be removed and bedding changed as often as necessary to minimize smell and avoid attracting flies or rodents.
Floors shall be smooth but not slippery so as to prevent injury to the calves or pigs and so designed as not to cause injury or suffering to calves or pigs standing or lying on them. Floors shall be suitable for the size and weight of the calves or pigs and form a rigid, even and stable surface. The lying area shall be comfortable, clean, and adequately drained and shall not adversely affect the calves or pigs. Appropriate bedding shall be provided for all calves less than 2 weeks old. If bedding is provided for pigs, it shall be clean, dry and not harmful to the pigs.
(a) Feeding and watering equipment for calves and pigs shall be designed, constructed, placed and maintained so that contamination of feed and water is minimized.
- (b) Equipment and fittings shall be designed and maintained in such a way as to minimize, as far as is practicable, the exposure of the calves or pigs to spills of feed or water, or to faeces and urine.
Calves and pigs shall be cared for by a sufficient number of suitably experienced personnel.
Part 2
Specific Provisions for Calves.
Subject to Regulation 5, the accommodation for calves shall be constructed in such way as to allow each calf to lie down, rest, stand up and groom itself without difficulty. Each calf shall have a clean place in which to rest and shall, unless isolated for veterinary reasons, be able to see other calves.
Calves shall not be tethered, with the exception of group-housed calves which may be tethered for periods of not more than one hour at the time of feeding milk or milk substitute.
All calves shall be provided with an appropriate diet adapted to their age, weight and behavioural and physiological needs, to promote good health and welfare and for this purpose the food for calves shall contain sufficient iron to ensure an average blood haemoglobin level of at least 4.5 mmol/litre and a minimum daily ration of fibrous food shall be provided for each calf over 2 weeks old, the quantity being raised from 50g to 250g per day for calves from 8 to 20 weeks old.
All calves shall be fed at least twice a day. Where calves are housed in groups and not fed ad libitum or by an automatic feeding system, each calf shall have access to the food at the same time as the others in the group.
All calves over 2 weeks of age shall have access to a sufficient quantity of fresh water or be able to satisfy their fluid intake needs by drinking other liquids. However, in hot weather conditions or for calves that are ill, fresh drinking water shall be available at all times.
Each calf shall receive bovine colostrum as soon as possible after it is born and, in any case, within the first 6 hours of life.
Part 3
Specific Provisions for various Categories of Pigs
Chapter I ALL PIGS
Subject to Regulation 18, accommodation for pigs shall be constructed in such way as to allow each pig lie down, rest, and stand up without difficulty. Each pig shall have a clean place in which to rest and shall, unless isolated for veterinary reasons, be able to see other pigs.
Each pig shall have access to a clean lying area that is physically and thermally comfortable, adequately drained and that is of sufficient area to allow each pig lie down at the same time.
If pigs are kept together, measures shall be taken to prevent fighting that goes beyond normal behaviour and to investigate the causes of fighting. If possible, measures, including provision of plentiful straw or other materials, shall be put in place. Pigs which show persistent aggression towards others or are victims of aggression shall be isolated or kept separate from the group.
All pigs shall be provided with an appropriate diet adapted to their age, weight and behavioural and physiological needs, to promote good health and welfare.
All pigs shall be fed at least once a day. Where pigs are housed in groups and not fed ad libitum or by an automatic feeding system, each pig shall have access to the food at the same time as the others in the group.
All pigs over 2 weeks of age shall have permanent access to a sufficient quantity of fresh water.
In addition to measures normally taken to prevent tail-biting and other vices and in order to enable them to satisfy their behavioural needs, all pigs, taking into account environmental conditions, management systems and stocking densities, shall be able to obtain straw or any other suitable material or object.
Subject to Regulation 18(2), the owner or person in charge shall take all necessary measures to ensure that pigs are not subject to constant or sudden noise.
A pig shall have permanent access to a sufficient quantity of suitable material, such as straw, hay, wood, peat or mushroom compost to enable proper investigation and manipulation activities, that does not compromise the health of the pig.
Chapter II
BOARS
Subject to paragraph 10, boar pens shall be sited and constructed so as to allow the boar to turn around and to hear, smell and see other pigs, and to provide for clean resting areas. The lying area shall be dry and comfortable.
The minimum unobstructed floor area of the pen for an adult boar shall be 6 square metres.
If pens are used for natural service, the minimum unobstructed floor area of a pen for an adult boar shall be 10 square metres.
Chapter III
SOWS AND GILTS
Pregnant sows and gilts shall, if necessary, be treated against external and internal parasites. If they are placed in farrowing crates, pregnant sows and gilts shall be thoroughly cleaned.
Sows and gilts shall be provided with a clean, adequately drained, comfortable lying area and shall, in the week before expected farrowing, be given suitable nesting material unless this is not technically feasible due to the slurry system in use on the premises.
An unobstructed area behind the sow or gilt shall be available for the ease of natural or assisted farrowing.
Farrowing crates where sows are kept loose shall have some adequate means, such as farrowing rails, to protect the piglets.
Sows and gilts shall be provided with a diet that satisfies their nutritional needs and contains sufficient quantity of suitable bulky or high fibre food to satisfy their hunger and the need to chew and to ensure that they do not display signs of hunger.
Chapter IV
PIGLETS
Piglets shall be provided with a source of heat and a solid, dry and comfortable lying area, covered with a mat or littered with suitable material, away from the sow where all of them can rest at the same time.
Where a farrowing crate is used, the piglets shall have sufficient space to be able to be suckled without difficulty.
Tail docking or tooth clipping shall not be carried out routinely except where injuries to sows teats or to other pigs ears or tails have occurred.
Where tooth clipping appears necessary, this shall be carried out within seven days of birth.
Subject to paragraph 20, piglets shall not be weaned from the sow at less than 28 days of age unless the welfare or health of the dam or piglets would otherwise be adversely affected.
Despite paragraph 19, piglets, if accommodated in specialised housing that has been thoroughly cleaned and disinfected immediately before the introduction of those piglets, may be weaned from the sow at no less than 21 days of age.
Housing to which paragraph 20 refers shall be separate, in a manner that adequately prevents the risk or spread of disease, from housing containing sows.
Chapter V
WEANERS AND REARING PIGS
Pigs shall be placed in groups as soon as possible after weaning. They should be kept in stable groups with as little mixing as possible.
If pigs unfamiliar with one another are to be mixed, they shall be mixed at as early an age as possible and, preferably, within seven days of weaning.
Pigs shall be afforded adequate opportunity to escape and hide from other pigs.
An animal remedy shall not be administered, to facilitate mixing of pigs, other than in exceptional circumstances, under and in accordance with the written prescription of a registered veterinary practitioner; that prescription shall be retained by the owner or person in charge of the pigs and a copy shall be retained by the registered veterinary practitioner who prescribes the animal remedy.
Regulation 24
Schedule 5 Part 1 Requirements for the movement and lairaging of animals in slaughterhouses.
I. General requirements.
A slaughterhouse shall have suitable equipment and facilities available for the purpose of unloading animals from means of transport.
Animals shall be unloaded as soon as possible after arrival. If delay is unavoidable they shall be protected from extremes of weather and provided with adequate ventilation.
Animals which might injure each other on account of their species, sex, age or origin shall be kept and lairaged apart from each other.
Animals shall be protected from adverse weather conditions. If they have been subjected to high temperature in humid weather they shall be cooled by appropriate means.
The condition and state of health of the animals shall be inspected at least every morning and evening.
Without prejudice to Chapter VI of Annex I to Directive 64/433/EEC, animals which have experienced pain or suffering during transport or upon arrival at the slaughterhouse, and unweaned animals, shall be stunned and slaughtered immediately. If this is not possible, they shall be separated and then stunned and slaughtered as soon as possible and at least within the following two hours. Animals which are unable to walk shall not be dragged to the place of slaughter, but shall be killed where they lie or, where it is possible and does not entail any unnecessary suffering, transported on a trolley or moveable platform to the place of emergency slaughter.
II. Requirements for animals delivered other than in containers.
Equipment for unloading animals shall have non-slip flooring and, if necessary, be provided with lateral protection. Bridges, ramps and gangways shall be fitted with sides, railings or some other means of protection to prevent animals falling off them. Exit or entry ramps shall have the minimum possible incline consistent with the animal being able to retain its footing.
During unloading, care shall be taken not to frighten, excite or mistreat the animals, and to ensure that they are not overturned. Animals shall not be lifted by the head, horns, ears, feet, tail or fleece in such a way as to cause them unnecessary pain or suffering. When necessary, they shall be led individually.
Animals shall be moved with care. Passageways shall be so constructed as to minimise the risk of injury to animals, and so arranged as to exploit their gregarious tendencies. Instruments intended for guiding animals shall be used solely for that purpose, and only for short periods. Instruments which administer electric shocks may be used only for adult bovine animals and pigs which refuse to move, provided that the shocks last no more than two seconds, are adequately spaced out and that the animals have room ahead of them in which to move. Such shocks may be applied only to the muscles of the hindquarters.
Animals shall not be struck on, nor shall pressure be applied to, any particularly sensitive part of the body. In particular, animals tails shall not be crushed, twisted or broken and their eyes shall not be grasped. Blows and kicks shall not be inflicted.
Animals shall not be taken to the place of slaughter unless they can be slaughtered immediately. If they are not slaughtered immediately on arrival they shall be lairaged.
A slaughterhouse shall be equipped with a sufficient number of pens for adequate lairaging of the animals with protection from the effects of adverse weather.
A lairage shall have:
- (a) floors which minimise the risk of slipping and which do not cause injury to animals in contact with them,
- (b) adequate ventilation, taking into account the extremes of temperature and humidity which may be expected. Where mechanical means of ventilation are required, provision shall be made for emergency back-up facilities in the event of breakdown,
- (c) artificial lighting at a level sufficient to permit inspection of all animals at any time; if necessary, adequate back-up lighting shall be available,
- (d) where necessary, equipment for tethering animals,
- (e) where necessary, adequate supplies of a suitable bedding material for all animals kept in the lairage overnight.
Where, in addition to the lairages referred to above, slaughterhouses, have field lairages without natural shelter or shade, appropriate protection from adverse weather shall be provided. Field lairages shall be maintained in such condition as to ensure that animals are not subjected to physical, chemical or other health hazards.
Animals which are not taken directly upon arrival to the place of slaughter shall have drinking water available to them from appropriate facilities at all times. Animals which have not been slaughtered within 12 hours of their arrival shall be fed, and shall subsequently be given moderate amounts of food at appropriate intervals.
Animals which are kept for 24 hours or more at a slaughterhouse shall be lairaged and, where appropriate, tethered, in such a way that they can lie down and feed without difficulty. Where animals are not tethered, food shall be provided in a way which will permit the animals to feed undisturbed.
III. Requirements for animals delivered in containers.
Containers in which animals are transported shall be handled with care, and shall not be thrown, dropped or knocked over. Where possible, they shall be loaded and unloaded horizontally and mechanically.
Animals delivered in containers with perforated or flexible bottoms shall be unloaded with particular care in order to avoid injury. Where appropriate, animals shall be unloaded from the containers individually.
Animals which have been transported in containers shall be slaughtered as soon as possible; otherwise they shall if necessary be watered and fed in accordance with paragraph 9 of Section II.
Part 2. Restraint of animals before stunning, slaughter or killing.
Animals shall be restrained in an appropriate manner in such a way as to spare them any avoidable pain, suffering, agitation, injury or contusions.
However, in the case of ritual slaughter, restraint of bovine animals before slaughter using a mechanical method intended to avoid any pain, suffering or agitation and any injuries or contusions to the animals is obligatory.
Animals legs shall not be tied, and animals shall not be suspended before stunning or killing. However, poultry and rabbits may be suspended for slaughter provided that appropriate measures are taken to ensure that, on the point of being stunned, they are in a sufficiently relaxed state for stunning to be carried out effectively and without undue delay.
Furthermore, holding an animal in a restraint system may in no circumstances be regarded as suspension.
Animals which are stunned or killed by mechanical or electrical means applied to the head shall be presented in such a position that the equipment can be applied and operated easily, accurately and for the appropriate time. The Minister may, however, in the case of solipeds and cattle, authorise the use of appropriate means to restrain head movements.
Electrical stunning equipment shall not be used as a means of restraint or immobilisation or to make animals move.
Part 3. Stunning or killing of animals other than animals reared for fur.
I. Permitted Methods.
A. Stunning.
Captive bolt pistol.
Concussion.
Electronarcosis.
Exposure to carbon dioxide.
B. Killing.
Free bullet pistol or rifle.
Electrocution.
Exposure to carbon dioxide.
C. The Minister may, however, authorise decapitation, dislocation of the neck and the use of a vacuum chamber as a method of killing for certain specific species, provided that Regulation 23 is complied with and that specific requirements laid down in Section III of this Part are met.
II. Specific Requirements for Stunning.
Stunning shall not be carried out unless it is possible to bleed the animals immediately afterwards.
Captive bolt pistol.
- (a) Instruments shall be positioned so as to ensure that the projectile enters the cerebral cortex. In particular, it is prohibited to shoot cattle in the poll position.
Sheep and goats may be shot in the poll position if the presence of horns prevents use of the crown position. In such cases the shot shall be placed immediately behind the base of the horns and aimed towards the mouth, and bleeding shall commence within 15 seconds of shooting.
- (b) When using a captive bolt instrument, the operator shall check to ensure that the bolt retracts to its full extent after each shot. If it does not so retract, the instrument shall not be used again until it has been repaired.
- (c) Animals shall not be placed in stunning pens unless the operator who is to stun them is ready to do so as soon as the animal is placed in the pen. Animals shall not be placed in a head restraint until the slaughterman is ready to stun them.
Concussion.
- (a) This is only permitted using a mechanically-operated instrument which administers a blow to the skull. The operator shall ensure that the instrument is applied in the proper position and that the correct strength of cartridge is used, in accordance with the manufacturers instructions, to produce an effective stun without fracture of the skull.
- (b) However, in the case of small batches of rabbits, where a non-mechanical blow to the skull is used, that operation shall be carried out in such a way that the animal is immediately rendered unconscious and remains so until its death and in compliance with Regulation 23.
Electronarcosis.
A. Electrodes.
l. Electrodes shall be so placed that they span the brain, enabling the current to pass through it. Appropriate measures shall also be taken to ensure that there is good electrical contact, in particular by removing excess wool or wetting skin.
Where animals are stunned individually, the apparatus shall:
- (a) incorporate a device which measures the impedance of the load and prevents operation of the apparatus if the minimum required current cannot be passed;
- (b) incorporate an audible or visible device indicating the length of time of its application to an animal;
- (c) be connected to a device indicating the voltage and the current under load, and be positioned so as to be clearly visible to the operator.
B. Waterbath stunners
Where waterbath stunners are used to stun poultry, the level of the water shall be adjustable in order to ensure that there is good contact with the birds head.
The strength and duration of the current used in this case will be determined by an authorised officer so as to ensure that the animal is immediately rendered unconscious and remains so until death.
Where poultry are stunned in groups in a waterbath, a voltage sufficient to produce a current strong enough to ensure that every bird is stunned shall be maintained.
Appropriate measures shall be taken to ensure that the current passes properly, in particular, by the use of good electrical contacts and by wetting the shackle-to-leg contact.
Waterbaths for poultry shall be adequate in size and depth for the type of bird being slaughtered, and shall not overflow at the entrance. The electrode which is immersed in the water shall extend the length of the waterbath.
If necessary, manual back-up shall be available.
C. Exposure to carbon dioxide.
The concentration of carbon dioxide for stunning pigs shall be at least 70% by volume.
The chamber in which pigs are exposed to the gas, and the equipment used for conveying the pigs through it, shall be so designed, constructed and maintained as to avoid injury to the pigs and compression of the chest and enable them to remain upright until they lose consciousness. Adequate lighting shall be provided in the conveying mechanism and the chamber to allow pigs to see other pigs or their surroundings.
The chamber shall be fitted with devices for measuring the gas concentration at the point of maximum exposure and for giving a clearly visible and audible warning if the concentration of carbon dioxide falls below the required level.
Pigs shall be placed in pens or containers in which they can see each other and conveyed into the gas chamber within 30 seconds from their entry into the installation. They shall be conveyed as rapidly as possible from the entrance to the point of maximum concentration of the gas and shall be exposed to it for long enough to ensure that they remain unconscious until they have been killed.
The Minister may, on application, and subject to such conditions as he or she may specify, authorise the stunning of poultry by exposure to carbon dioxide or a mixture of other gases or refuse an application.
III. Specific Requirements for Killing.
Free bullet pistol or rifle.
These methods, which may be used to kill various species, in particular large farmed game and deer, are subject to authorisation by the Minister, who shall be satisfied, in particular, that these methods are used by duly qualified staff and are in compliance with Regulation 23.
Decapitation and dislocation of the neck.
These methods, which are to be used only for killing poultry, are subject to authorisation by the Minister, who shall be satisfied, in particular, that these methods are used by duly qualified staff and are in compliance with Regulation 23.
Electrocution and carbon dioxide.
The Minister may authorise the killing of various species by these methods provided that, in addition to Regulation 23, the specific provisions laid down in paragraphs 3 and 4 of Section II are complied with. The Minister may, to ensure the effectiveness of these methods, lay down the strength and duration of the current used and the concentration and length of exposure to carbon dioxide.
Vacuum chamber.
This method, which is to be used only for the killing without bleeding of certain animals for consumption belonging to farmed game species (quail, partridge and pheasant), is subject to authorisation by the Minister. To obtain authorisation the owner or person in charge of the animals shall ensure, in addition to compliance with Regulation 23, that:
- (a) the animals are placed in an airtight chamber in which a vacuum is swiftly achieved by means of a powerful electric pump,
- (b) the vacuum is maintained until the animals are dead,
- (c) the animals are held in groups in transport containers which can be placed in the vacuum chamber, which is designed for that purpose.
Part 4. Bleeding of animals.
For animals which have been stunned, bleeding shall be started as soon as possible after stunning and be carried out in such a way as to bring about rapid, profuse and complete bleeding. In any event, the bleeding shall be carried out before the animal regains consciousness.
All animals which have been stunned shall be bled by incising at least one of the carotid arteries or the vessels from which they arise.
After incision of the blood vessels, no further dressing procedures nor any electrical stimulation may be performed on the animals before the bleeding has ended.
Where one person is responsible for the stunning, shackling, hoisting and bleeding of animals, that person shall carry out those operations consecutively on one animal before carrying them out on another animal.
Manual back-up shall be available where poultry is bled by means of automatic neck-cutters so that, in the event of a breakdown, birds may be slaughtered immediately.
Part 5 Killing methods for disease control.
Permitted Methods.
Any method permitted under Part 3 that causes certain death.
Injection of an overdose of a drug with anaesthetic properties if the carcase is to be disposed of in accordance with the Animal By-products Regulation within the meaning of the European Communities (Transmissable Spongiform Encephalopathies and Animal By-Products) Regulations 2008 ( S.I. No. 252 of 2008 ).
In addition, the Minister may, in compliance with Regulation 23, permit the use of other methods for killing conscious animals, ensuring in particular that:
- (a) if methods are used which do not cause immediate death (for example, captive bolt shooting), appropriate measures are taken to kill the animals as soon as possible, and in any event before they regain consciousness,
- (b) nothing more is done to the animals before it has been ascertained that they are dead.
Permitted methods of killing for disease control set out in this Schedule shall be carried out by or under the supervision of an authorised officer.
Part 6 Methods of killing fur animals.
I. Permitted methods.
Mechanically-operated instruments which penetrate the brain.
Injection of an overdose of a drug with anaesthetic properties.
Electrocution with cardiac arrest.
Exposure to carbon monoxide.
Exposure to chloroform.
Exposure to carbon dioxide.
The Minister shall decide on the most appropriate method of killing for the different species concerned in compliance with Regulation 23.
II. Specific requirements.
Mechanically-operated instruments which penetrate the brain.
- (a) Instruments shall be positioned so as to ensure that the projectile enters the cerebral cortex.
- (b) This method is permitted only if it is followed by immediate bleeding.
Injection of an overdose of a drug with anaesthetic properties.
Only those anaesthetics, doses and applications which cause immediate loss of consciousness followed by death may be used.
Electrocution with cardiac arrest.
Electrodes shall be placed so that they span the brain and the heart and the minimum current level used shall lead to immediate loss of consciousness and cardiac arrest. However, for foxes, where electrodes are applied to the mouth and rectum, a current of an average value of 0.3 amps shall be applied for at least 3 seconds.
Exposure to carbon monoxide.
- (a) The chamber in which the animals are exposed to the gas shall be designed, constructed and maintained in such a way as to avoid injury to the animals and allow them to be supervised.
- (b) The animals shall be introduced into the chamber only after it has been filled with a concentration of carbon monoxide of at least 1% by volume, supplied by a source of 100% carbon monoxide.
- (c) The gas produced by an engine specially adapted for that purpose may be used to kill mustelids and chinchillas provided that tests have shown that the gas used:
- (i) has been suitably cooled,
- (ii) has been sufficiently filtered, and
- (iii) is free from any irritant matter or gas.
The animals cannot be placed in the chamber until the concentration of carbon monoxide has reached at least 1% by volume.
- (d) When inhaled the gas shall first induce deep general anaesthesia and shall then cause certain death.
- (e) The animals shall remain in the chamber until they are dead.
Exposure to chloroform.
Exposure to chloroform may be used to kill chinchillas provided that:
- (a) the chamber in which the animals are exposed to the gas is designed, constructed and maintained in such a way as to avoid injury to the animals and allow them to be supervised;
- (b) the animals are introduced into the chamber only if it contains a saturated chloroform-air compound;
- (c) when inhaled, the gas first induces deep general anaesthesia and then causes certain death;
- (d) the animals remain in the chamber until they are dead.
Exposure to carbon dioxide.
Carbon dioxide may be used to kill mustelids and chinchillas provided that-
- (a) the chamber in which the animals are exposed to the gas is designed, constructed and maintained in such a way as to avoid injury to the animals and allow them to be supervised,
- (b) the animals are introduced into the chamber only when the atmosphere contains the highest possible concentration of carbon dioxide supplied by a source of 100% carbon dioxide,
- (c) when inhaled, the gas first induces deep general anaesthesia and then causes certain death, and
- (d) the animals remain in the chamber until they are dead.
Part 7 Killing of surplus chicks and embryos in hatchery waste.
I. Permitted methods for the killing of chicks.
Use of a mechanical apparatus causing rapid death.
Exposure to carbon dioxide.
However, the Minister may permit the use of other scientifically recognised killing methods provided that they comply with Regulation 5.
II. Specific requirements.
Use of a mechanical apparatus producing rapid death.
- (a) The animals shall be killed by an apparatus which contains rapidly rotating mechanically operated killing blades or expanded polystyrene projections.
- (b) The capacity of the apparatus shall be sufficient to ensure that all animals are killed immediately, even if they are handled in large numbers.
Exposure to carbon dioxide.
- (a) The animals shall be placed in an atmosphere with the highest obtainable concentration of carbon dioxide, supplied by a source of 100% carbon dioxide.
- (b) The animals shall remain in this atmosphere until they are dead.
III. Permitted method of the killing of embryos.
To kill any living embryos instantaneously, all hatchery waste shall be treated by the mechanical apparatus mentioned in paragraph 1 of Section II.
However, the Minister may permit the use of other scientifically recognised killing methods provided that they comply with Regulation 23.
Part 8 Monitoring and follow-up at slaughter regarding chickens reared for meat production
1. Mortality
1.1 In the case of stocking densities higher than 33 kilogrammes per square metre, the documentation accompanying the flock shall include the daily mortality rate and cumulative daily mortality rate calculated by the owner or keeper and the hybrid or breed of the chickens.
1.2 Under the supervision of the veterinary inspector at the establishment where chickens are to be slaughtered, the data referred to at 1.1 and the number of broilers dead on arrival at the establishment shall be recorded, indicating the premises and house of origin. The veterinary inspector shall check the plausibility of data furnished under 1.1 taking into account the number of broilers slaughtered and the number dead on arrival.
2. Post mortem inspection
In the context of checks carried out under Regulation (EC) No. 854/ 2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 29 April 2004, the veterinary inspector at the establishment where chickens are to be slaughtered shall evaluate the results of the post mortem inspection to identify possible indications of poor welfare conditions such as abnormal levels of contact dermatitis, parasitism and systemic illness at the premises or a particular house at the premises of origin.
3. Communication of results
If the mortality rate referred to in paragraph 1 or the results of post mortem inspection referred to at paragraph 2 are consistent with poor animal welfare conditions, the veterinary inspector at the establishment where chickens are to be slaughtered shall communicate the data to the owner or keeper of the animals who shall take appropriate remedial action and make an official report.
GIVEN under my Official Seal,
24 June 2010.
BRENDAN SMITH,
Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.
EXPLANATORY NOTE.
(This note is not part of the Instrument and does not purport to be a legal interpretation.)
These Regulations give effect to a series of European Directives concerning the protection of animals including broilers, laying hens, calves and pigs and animals being slaughtered.
Footnotes
O.J. No. L 340 of 31.12.1993, p. 21.
O.J. No. L 221 of 8.8.1998, p. 23.
O.J. No. L 203 of 3.8.1999, p. 53.
O.J. No. L 30 of 31.1.2002, p.44.
O.J. No. L182 of 12.7.2007 p. 19
O.J. No. L010 of 15.1.2009 p. 7
O.J. No. L047 of 18.2.2009 p. 5
This document does not substitute the official text published in the Irish Statute Book. We accept no responsibility for any inaccuracies arising from the transcription of the original into this format.
This text is published under Irish Statute Book's own terms of reuse, not a Legalize or public-domain licence.
Irish Statute Book
CC-BY 4.0 (Oireachtas Open Data PSI Licence)
Contains Irish Public Sector Information licensed under the Oireachtas (Houses of the Oireachtas) Open Data PSI Licence / Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International, sourced from https://www.irishstatutebook.ie.