(This note is not part of the Regulations.)
1. These Regulations amend the Welfare of Animals (Slaughter or Killing) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1996 (“the 1996 Regulations”). The 1996 Regulations give effect to 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. 21). These Regulations amend Schedules 1, 4, 6 and 9 to the 1996 Regulations.
2. The amendment to Schedule 1 requires the holder of a licence which has been suspended or revoked to surrender the licence to the Department.
3. The amendment to Schedule 4 shortens the time that birds can be suspended before being stunned or killed. This measure does not come into operation until 15th June 2005.
4. The amendments to Schedule 6 remove the requirement that certain animals are not bled within sight of any other such animals.
5. The amendment to Schedule 9 permits the use of pneumatic or cartridge operated percussive devices producing immediate death for the slaughter or killing of birds for the purpose of disease control.