Amendments to The Welfare of Animals (Slaughter or Killing) Regulations 1995 (WASK)

This consultation sought views on a proposal to make changes to The Welfare of Animals (Slaughter or Killing) Regulations 1995 (WASK) to:

• permit the use of a biphasic carbon dioxide gas mixture to kill poultry in slaughterhouses;
• extend the range of birds which may be killed on-farm by gas mixtures; and
• extend the time limit for bringing a prosecution under WASK.

These measures will improve birds’ welfare by providing a more humane alternative to the use of electric waterbaths in slaughterhouses and wringing birds’ necks on farms, which can be less humane.

As legislation on welfare at slaughter is a devolved matter any changes would apply in England only.