RDC(3) AWMH 1

Rural Development Sub-Committee

Inquiry into Animal Welfare and Meat Hygiene

Response from Randall Parker Foods

I am a director of Randall Parker Foods with our abattoir based at Llanidloes and have been asked by my main board of Directors to respond to your letter requesting views on the above subject.

We have owned and operated the abattoir at Llanidloes since 1998. During the last 12 months ending in September 2009 we have slaughtered 966,244 lambs and 6380 cattle.

We have operated with a veterinary officer permanently on site and with 10 members of our staff fully trained as animal welfare officers. High standards of animal welfare are a legal responsibility, which we are very keen to maintain and wherever possible improve. Without good stockmanship at our abattoir animal welfare can never be adequately protected. We operate our own animal welfare policy to encourage all those responsible for its implementation to adopt the highest standards of husbandry, care and stockmanship.

The independent opinion of the veterinary officer in attendance is very important and we welcome the extra pair of eyes on site to spot any non compliances. Farmers also welcome the supervision of the MHS to ensure that they have someone to discuss animal welfare issues with. The cleanliness of stock has become a very important issue and we need the support of the MHS in advising farmers of this policy.

I am not qualified to comment on the procedures at smaller abattoirs, but I am aware that there may be difficulties in the costs of policing them. The management issues and training at all plants should be to the highest standards large or small. All lairage and slaughter staff must receive structured and appropriate training in the handling and slaughtering of animals and this should be documented. There must be contingency plans in place to deal with emergencies.

The relationship between the MHS and the abattoir staff is critical and one we respect, an independent inspectorate and view on the operation is essential if we are to maintain consumer confidence in meat.

Juliet Davies
Director
Randall Parker Foods