(This note is not part of the Regulations.)

These Regulations amend the Welfare of Animals (Slaughter or Killing) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1996 (“the 1996 Regulations”).

They amend regulations 14 and 22 of and Schedule 12 to the 1996 Regulations, so as to prohibit the religious slaughter of animals or birds unless it takes place—

a

in the case of animals in a licensed slaughterhouse; and

b

in the case of birds to slaughterhouses as defined in the 1996 Regulations.

  • The amendments made by these Regulations give effect to Article 9(1) of Council Directive 93/119/EC on the protection of animals at the time of slaughter or killing (O.J. No. L340, 31.12.93, p. 12).