The Humane Slaughter Association held its first webinar on the 28^th April 2021. 

Entitled Slaughter of livestock – keeping it close to home the presentations covered why abattoirs are closing, the advantages and disadvantages of small and mobile abattoirs, practical considerations of mobile slaughter units and the challenges and opportunities for small abattoirs from the point of view of a small abattoir operator.

There was also a presentation on recent developments of mobile slaughter units in The Netherlands before a Q and A session.  

The event was well received with people commenting on an “excellent and informative session” as well as “informative lectures and discussion”. 

HSA’s Technical Director Charlie Mason said: “This was the first HSA webinar and we are very pleased at the response.  The HSA's previous one-day seminars have attracted around 100 delegates and the webinar's final attendance tally was 392, with attendees from afar afield as Australia, New Zealand and Saudi Arabia!  The six presentations were excellent and all focused on the potential benefits to animal welfare from the availability of local slaughter facilities.  I'd like to take this opportunity to thank the seven speakers for their valued contributions."

The recording of the event is now available to view.  It is free to view but, if you are able to, please consider making a donation to the HSA to enable us to continue our vital work helping to improve the welfare of livestock animals Beyond the Farm Gate. None of our work, including this webinar, would be possible without the generosity of our members and supporters.

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Programme

1500   Opening

Charlie Mason (HSA)

1510   An Introduction to the UK Abattoir Sector Group (ASG)

Dr Simon Doherty (MRCVS Chair of the Abattoir Sector Group)

1525   Small Abattoirs and Welfare

Dr Collin Willson and Dr Jose Camara-Diaz (FSA)

1540   The Challenges and Opportunities for Small Abattoirs in 2021

John Mettrick (National Craft Butchers)

1555   The Fir Farm mobile abattoir project

Dr Jane Guise (Fir Farm)

1610   Mobile Slaughter Unit in the Netherlands a Risk Assessment

Johan Bongers DVM and Annika Voogt MSc (Netherlands Food & Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA)

1625   Why We Need Small Abattoirs for Sustainable Farming and High Welfare, Healthy Food

Megan Perry (Sustainable Food Trust)

1640   Break

1655   Q&A/Discussion

Charlie Mason (HSA)

1725   Close

Dr Huw Golledge (HSA)