Slaughter/killing
RSPCA welfare standards
for domestic/common ducks
47 February 2015
* indicates an amendment
S 2.5 PWOs must:
a) be familiar with the content of the Humane Slaughter Association DVD Poultry Welfare -
Taking Responsibility
b) convey the relevant content to other members of the killing team
c) ensure that the recommendations are applied where appropriate.
Where possible all members of the killing team should be familiar with the content of the
Humane Slaughter Association DVD Poultry Welfare - Taking Responsibility.
S 2.6 The PWO must make frequent checks throughout the day to ensure that birds are being effectively
stunned/killed and are insensible throughout the killing operation.
S 2.7 Records relating to standard S 2.6 must be kept.
S 2.8 Where the birds are not being effectively stunned/killed the PWO must take remedial action without delay.
S 2.9
The manager and PWO must:
a) have access to a copy of the Defra booklet The Welfare of Poultry at Slaughter or Killing
(PB 13539, 2007)
b) be familiar with its content
c) ensure that the recommendations are applied where appropriate.
Closed Circuit Television (CCTV)
The use of Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) in areas where live animals are present can assist
those responsible for monitoring and enforcing animal welfare within the abattoir in ensuring
that standards are maintained. It is strongly recommended that CCTV footage is also used for
in-house training programmes and to provide an additional level of security at the abattoir.
S(TV) 1.1 A functional CCTV system must be installed and operational to monitor animals undergoing the following
processes at the abattoir:
a) unloading from vehicles into the lairage
b) shackling
c) stunning, including exiting the electrical waterbath
d) neck cutting.
S(TV) 1.2 CCTV cameras must be positioned to ensure a clear view of the processes being monitored is achieved
at all times.
S(TV) 1.3 It must be possible to observe clearly the view from each camera at all times via one or more monitors.
S(TV) 1.4 CCTV footage must be recorded at all times where animals are undergoing any of the processes listed
under standard S(TV) 1.1.