The Welfare of Animals (Slaughter or Killing) Regulations 1995

PART IV ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR ANIMALS DELIVERED IN CONTAINERS

Handling of animals delivered in containers

14.  In addition to the requirements in Part II above, the occupier of a slaughterhouse and any person engaged in the movement of any animal delivered in any container shall ensure that—

(a) any container in which any such animal is transported is handled with care and is not thrown, dropped or knocked over;

(b) where possible, the container is loaded and unloaded horizontally and mechanically;

(c) any animal delivered in a container with a perforated or flexible bottom is unloaded with particular care in order to avoid injury; and

(d) where appropriate, animals are unloaded from the containers individually.

Slaughter or killing of animals delivered in containers

15.  The occupier of a slaughterhouse and any person engaged in the movement or handling of any animal shall ensure that—

(a) any animal which has been transported in a container is slaughtered or killed as soon as possible; and

(b) if slaughter or killing is delayed and if it is necessary—

(i) the animal has drinking water available to it from appropriate facilities at all times; and

(ii) a sufficient quantity of wholesome food is provided for the animal on its arrival at the lairage and twice daily thereafter, except that no animal need be fed within 12 hours of the time at which it is slaughtered or killed.