Council of Europe
European Convention for the Protection of Animals for Slaughter
Summary Description
Sets general principles to ensure minimum welfare levels for farmed animals during slaughter.
Topics
Species
Farmed animals
Jurisdiction
Council of Europe
Sub-Jurisdiction
N/A
Type of Act
International Convention
Status
In force
Legal Value
Voluntary
Date Enacted
1979
Date Updated
June, 2023
Official Citation
Council of Europe, European Convention for the Protection of Animals for Slaughter, May 10, 1979, E.T.S. 102
Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths
- Sets general principles on procedures (reduced waiting periods after unloading to the slaughterhouse, stunning recommended) and buildings (no slippery floors, pens with minimum space).
Weaknesses
- Only regulates the treatment of animals at slaughter, and not killing in general (which include depopulation and emergency killing).
- Only sets general rules, with no engineering standards.
- Does not prohibit slaughter without stunning, but slaughter without stunning is regulated as an exemption to the general obligation to stun animals before bleeding them.
Related Laws/Policies
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