Emergency Slaughter

Question 1

Name the three pieces of legislation that are involved in the open market

Answer 1

• Welfare of Animals at Markets Order 1990

* (Animal Welfare Act 2006 Welfare of Farmed Animals ( England) Act 2007)

Question 2

What do the Welfare of Animals at Markets Order 1990 (Animal Welfare Act 2006 Welfare of Farmed Animals ( England) Act 2007) Dictate about animals presented ?

Answer 2

• An offence to present an animal at market that is “unfit”
• “Unfit”(can include the presence of drug residues etc) – not defined BUT “as in relation to an animal or bird includes infirm by virtue of being diseased, injured or fatigued”

Question 3

Name the to pieces of legislation related to the movement of animals direct to the slaughter facility

Answer 3

• The Welfare of Animals (Transport) (England) order 2006 Council Regulation (EC) No1/2005 on the protection of animals during transport and related operations

Question 4

What do the The Welfare of Animals (Transport) (England) order 2006 Council Regulation (EC) No1/2005 on the protection of animals during transport and related operations acts dictate?

Answer 4

• No animal shall be transported unless it is fit for the intended journey, and all animals shall be transported in conditions guaranteed not to cause injury or unnecessary suffering”

Question 5

What does the Emergency Slaughter Veterinary declaration dictate?

Answer 5

• Derogation allows for animals having suffered an accident which precludes the transport of an otherwise healthy animal from being transported to be Slaughtered On Farm

Question 6

Define Accident

Answer 6

• Accident: an unforeseen or unexpected event – especially one that causes injury or damage.

Question 7

Define Emergency

Answer 7

• Emergency: implies that slaughter takes place as a result of an event requiring immediate action

Question 8

What qualification is required for people carrying out slaughter of animals?

Answer 8

Certificate of Competence (not required by vet surgeon)

Question 9

Describe 4 ways in which emergency slaughter can be achieved

Answer 9

Captive bolt gun
Free bullet
Shotgun
Barbituate

Question 10

Describe the use of a captive bolt gun for emergency slaughter

Answer 10

– No firearm certificate required
– .22 or .38 blank
– Stunner
– Death follows by bleeding or obliteration of brain stem with pithing cane

Question 11

What EC focuses on the hygiene of foodstuffs and what information does it provide?

Answer 11

• 852/2004 – hygiene of foodstuffs – rules for food business operators including farmers (H1)

Question 12

What EC focuses on animal origin and what information does it provide?

Answer 12

• 853/2004 specific rules for food of animal origin e.g. slaughter house operators (H2)

Question 13

What EC focuses on origin of animal products and what information does it provide?

Answer 13

• 854/2004 rules for the organisation of official controls on products of animal origin intended for human consumption – including rules for OV’s in Slaughterhouses

Question 14

Describe the correct positioning of a captive bolt gunive stun

Answer 14

• Position: Middle of forehead at intersection of two imaginary lines between the eyes and centre of the base of the opposite horn.
• Hold firmly in direct contact at right angle to skull directed through upper brain towards brainstem

Question 15

Describe the signs of an effective stun

Answer 15

• Animal collapses instantaneously
• No Rhythmic breathing
• Fixed, glazed expression in eyes
• No corneal reflex
• Relaxed jaw tone
• Tongue hangs out

Question 16

Describe the process of pithing

Answer 16

Pithing 
•	Insert and direct towards tail
•	Initial violent contractions (care)
•	Followed by relaxation
•	Leave in situ

Question 17

Name three licenced Barbituates

Answer 17

Dolethal- Pentobarb
Lethobarb - Pentobarb
Somulose - Quinal barbitone cinchocaine