Supporting and bolstering the UK abattoirs network will benefit our food security and protect animal welfare. There is a direct link between the Government’s current policy of limiting journey times between the farm and abattoirs, and the need for a network of small and medium abattoirs spread geographically around the UK. Equally, small abattoirs must be commercially viable businesses, capable of supporting themselves.

Supporting and bolstering the UK abattoirs network will benefit our food security and protect animal welfare. There is a direct link between the Government’s current policy of limiting journey times between the farm and abattoirs, and the need for a network of small and medium abattoirs spread geographically around the UK. Equally, small abattoirs must be commercially viable businesses, capable of supporting themselves. Type: conclusion | Number: 36 | Paragraph: 109 | Response status: under_consideration Government response: The Government acknowledges the important role that small abattoirs play in rural economies and the benefits to animal welfare that reduced journey times to slaughter can have. We are fully committed to working with industry to ensure that the UK maintains its high-quality slaughtering facilities wi