Cameras in abattoirs law ‘doesn’t go far enough’

The ruling was passed by MPs after scandals about correct procedures not being followed in some abattoirs. The law says cameras will be installed in all areas where living animals are handled, and it notes that the aim is protection of the animals.

Images will be kept for up to a month, and can be viewed by vets and abattoir employees responsible for animal welfare.

The move was called a “major advance for animal protection” by the MP behind the law, left-winger Olivier Falorni.

However, high-profile animal rights organisation L214 is disappointed that groups such as theirs will not be able to view the video material. Spokesman Sébastien Arsac said: “Cameras are of interest if associations and NGOs can consult the recordings.

The animal welfare workers are employees of the abattoirs and the vet services are already on site, so cameras aren’t much use to them. The vet profession complain they aren’t numerous enough to do the job.

They won’t have time to review the images. It’s a half measure.” He added: “We think abuse is widespread. In just over a year we showed realities in seven abattoirs. Each time we were able to show images, there were abuses. At one abattoir we were told they had never had a fine, but in a week of filming we saw an enormous amount of problems – especially major problems of animals not being stunned.

It seems like the rules are seen as optional.”