11 November 2003

Dear Sir/Madam

CONSULTATION ON THE WELFARE OF WHITE MEAT ANIMALS AT SLAUGHTER

1. Following the publication of the FAWC report on the welfare of red meat animals at slaughter or killing in June this year, the Council is now continuing with its review of the welfare of farmed white meat animals at the time of slaughter.

2. We are grateful for the comments we received on white meat slaughter when the initial consultation, which covered both red meat and white meat animals was conduced in 1999. We will be taking these comments on board in the course of our review. However, given the time that has elapsed since that consultation and the developments that have taken place, we felt that it would be appropriate to consult you again in order to obtain your current views on the subject.

3. The white meat review will concentrate on the welfare of livestock at the place of slaughter which will predominantly be at the processing plant. It will also cover on farm slaughter, including casualty and emergency slaughter as well as mass killing on farm for disease control. The species covered will be farmed white meat animals including broilers, end of lay hens, turkeys, ducks, geese, guinea fowl, quail, farmed game and rabbits. The design of transport systems, as they relate to welfare of birds at lairage will also be included in the study.

4. We would be grateful for your organisation’s views on the animal welfare aspects of the white meat slaughter process. Please feel free to comment on the strengths and weaknesses of current practices. We would particularly welcome information on any aspect of current or proposed research and development relating to slaughter of these animals.

5. In addition to this consultation exercise, we may write to some organisations with specific questions as work progresses. Some may also be invited to discussions with the Group. Normally FAWC reports list the names of the organisations that gave evidence. Should you prefer to be excluded from the list, please let us know when you reply.

6. If you believe there are any important omissions from the list of consultees, I should be obliged if you would let me have the name and address of an appropriate contact.

7. FAWC thanks you for your co-operation and looks forward to receiving your comments by 31 January 2004.

Yours faithfully

Kumu Adhihetty
FAWC SECRETARIAT