More monitoring and stricter rules slaughter­houses

Once again, abuses have come to light in slaughterhouses. LNV minister Adema stressed that every incident where animal welfare is at stake is one too many. Therefore, the minister wants to strengthen supervision, ban electric shock devices and make laws and regulations stricter so that the NVWA can suspend approval of businesses sooner.

To strengthen supervision, the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) will use the 'three strikes out' principle, whereby all links involved in the meat chain bear responsibility for animal welfare. The NVWA will take strict and non-committal action against parties that fail in their responsibilities. In addition, the NVWA wants to work with non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to discuss their views on proper supervision of animal welfare livestock farming and improve cooperation.

Three Strikes Out

The 'three strikes out' motion has Minister Adema's full support. The motion calls for an enforcement proposal to be developed for tighter supervision, whereby farms do not get away with serious animal welfare violations every time. The minister underlines the need for clear enforcement lines, especially for repeated serious violations in slaughterhouses. From 1 September 2023, the 'three strikes out' approach will be part of intensified supervision. In addition, separate from this approach, the NVWA will also suspend the approval of businesses sooner if the facts and circumstances warrant it.

Amendments to laws and regulations

The minister is also working on adjustments to laws and regulations to improve the NVWA's supervision in the meat chain. This includes making camera surveillance in slaughterhouses and collection centres mandatory, tackling animal abuse and neglect, reviewing the system of administrative fines under the Animals Act, and banning the use of electric shock devices.