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The draft amendment to the Animal Welfare Act, necessary for this purpose, has been adopted by the Federal Cabinet. The aim is to further strengthen animal welfare and close existing loopholes in enforcement. Mandatory video surveillance is intended to make animal welfare-related processes in slaughterhouses more transparent and to consistently address violations. The proposed legislation implements a goal outlined in the coalition agreement.
The draft law provides for the exemption of smaller slaughterhouses from this requirement. Specifically, the regulation applies to facilities with an annual output of greater than 1,000 "livestock units" (equivalent to 1,000 cattle or 5,000 finishing pigs) or 150,000 poultry or rabbits. This differentiation accounts for the fact that video surveillance is generally more efficient to implement in larger facilities, and the effort required decreases relative to the size of the operation. This will cover the vast majority of slaughter animals in Germany.
Furthermore, states will have the option of ordering video surveillance for smaller operations as well, provided there is concrete evidence of violations of animal welfare regulations. This ensures that video surveillance is used for targeted inspections where necessary.
April 29, 2026/ BMLEH/ Germany.
https://www.bmleh.de
