(This note is not part of these Regulations)
These Regulations, which apply to England only, amend the Welfare of Animals (Slaughter or Killing) Regulations 1995. The 1995 Regulations give effect to Council Directive 93/119/EC on the protection of animals at the time of slaughter or killing (OJ No. L 340, 31.12.93, p.21).
These Regulations insert a new Schedule 7A into the 1995 Regulations. The amendment permits the killing of end of lay hens by exposure to gas elsewhere than in a slaughterhouse (regulation 2(5)).
Schedule 7A also allows the Secretary of State to authorise the killing of birds by exposure to gas elsewhere than in a slaughterhouse.
These Regulations give effect to amendments, made by Council Regulation (EC) No 1/2005 on the protection of animals during transport (OJ L3, 5.1.2005 p.1), to Council Directive 93/119/EC on the use of instruments which administer electric shocks to adult bovines and adult pigs (regulation 2(3)).
A Regulatory Impact Assessment has been produced for this instrument. Copies can be obtained from Animal Welfare Division of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, 1A Page Street, London, SW1P 4PQ.