Germany Proposes Mandatory Cameras in Large Slaughterhouses for Animal Welfare

German Agriculture Minister Alois Rainer has proposed a new law to improve animal welfare in slaughterhouses. The plan requires mandatory video surveillance in certain facilities. The measure aims to monitor key areas and deter violations. The proposed mandate applies to slaughterhouses processing over 1,000 livestock units of mammals per year or 150,000 poultry. Only about 230 of Germany’s 4,000 slaughterhouses meet this threshold. These larger facilities handle over 90 percent of all animals slaughtered in the country.

The surveillance system will cover unloading, holding areas, and the slaughter process. Initial setup costs average €3,500 per facility, with annual maintenance around €240. Footage will help veterinary authorities identify and penalise violations.

The Bundestag will debate the bill in its first reading on 9 July. A final vote is expected after the summer recess. Small slaughterhouses below the processing threshold will remain exempt from the requirement. The new rule will cover just 6 percent of all slaughterhouses in Germany. Authorities hope the system will enforce better compliance with animal welfare standards.