These Regulations amend the Welfare of Animals (Slaughter or Killing) Regulations 1995 (“the principal Regulations”) which gave effect to Council Directive 93/119/EC (O.J. No. L 340, 31.12.93, p.21). These Regulations amend Schedules 1, 4 and 9 to the principal Regulations.

The amendment to Schedule 1 requires the holder of a licence which has been suspended or revoked to surrender the licence to the Food Standards Agency (regulation 2(2)).

The amendment to Schedule 4 shortens the time that birds can be suspended before being stunned or killed (regulation 2(3)). This measure does not come into force until 6th January 2005 (regulation 1(1)(a)).

The amendment to Schedule 9 permits the use of pneumatic or cartridge operated percussive devices producing immediate death for the slaughter or killing of birds for the purpose of disease control (regulation 2(4)).

These Regulations extend to Scotland only.