SL(6)484 – The Mandatory Use of Closed Circuit Television in Slaughterhouses (Wales) Regulations 2024

Background and Purpose

These Regulations make provision complementary to the Welfare of Animals (Transport) (Wales) Order 2007 (“the 2007 Order”), EU Regulation 1099/2009 on the protection of animals at the time of killing (“the EU Regulation”) and the Welfare of Animals at the Time of Killing (Wales) Regulations 2014 (“the 2014 Regulations”).

These Regulations introduce requirements on operators of slaughterhouses (“business operators”) in Wales to install and operate a closed circuit television (“CCTV”) system in all areas where live animals are present (regulation 3). Regulation 4 requires business operators to retain CCTV footage and associated data for a period of 90 days. Inspectors are given powers to require compliance with these Regulations. This includes powers of inspection and seizure where an inspector has entered premises for the purposes of executing and enforcing the 2014 Regulations, the EU Regulation or the 2007 Order (regulation 5) and powers to issue enforcement notices (regulation 6). Regulation 7 makes provision for appeals relating to notices under regulation 6, and regulation 8 makes further provision in relation to notices. Regulations 9 and 10 provide that contravention of regulations 3 and 4, failure to comply with an enforcement notice and obstructing inspectors are offences. Regulations 11 to 14 make further provision in relation to offences and prosecutions.

The Regulations come into force for the purposes of regulations 1 to 4 on 1 June 2024 and for all other purposes on 1 December 2024.

Procedure

Affirmative

The Welsh Ministers have laid a draft of the Regulations before the Senedd.  The Welsh Ministers cannot make the Regulations unless the Senedd approves the draft Regulations.

Technical Scrutiny

No points are identified for reporting under Standing Order 21.2 in respect of this instrument.

Merits Scrutiny  

The following 2 points are identified for reporting under Standing Order 21.3 in respect of this instrument.

1. Standing Order 21.3(ii) – that it is of political or legal importance or gives rise to issues of public policy likely to be of interest to the Senedd.

As stated in the Explanatory Memorandum, these Regulations address errors identified in those which were laid on 12 March 2024 and subsequently withdrawn.

2. Standing Order 21.3(ii) – that it is of political or legal importance or gives rise to issues of public policy likely to be of interest to the Senedd.

We note that comparable regulations are already in place elsewhere in the UK. The Mandatory Use of Closed Circuit Television in Slaughterhouses (England) Regulations 2018 came into force in relation to slaughterhouses in England in 2018 and the Mandatory Use of Closed Circuit Television in Slaughterhouses (Scotland) Regulations 2020 came into force in 2021, in relation to slaughterhouses in Scotland.

Welsh Government response

A Welsh Government response is not required.

Legal Advisers

Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee

8 May 2024