Video surveillance mandated in most abattoirs by 2026: AMIC

Abattoirs will need to install video surveillance systems to retain animal welfare certification, the Australian Meat Industry Council (AMIC) announced today. 

AMIC’s National Processor Council has endorsed the incorporation of video surveillance systems to monitor livestock handling processes from the point of receival through to the point of slaughter as a mandatory requirement of the Australian Livestock Processing Industry Animal Welfare Certification System (known as AAWCS) from 2026. 

AAWCS accreditation is voluntary, but the program now covers more than 80% of cattle, sheep and pigs processed in Australia and it has been adopted as a commercial requirement by many end-users. 

“This decision by AMIC’s National Processor Council highlights that the Australian meat industry views animal welfare as a core pillar of doing business,” AMIC Chair, Tom Maguire, said. 

“With industry providing greater transparency, AMIC will continue to call on state and federal governments and regulators to have zero tolerance of vigilante groups that trespass and illegally capture footage. 

“The red meat industry is dedicated to transparency and high standards that Australian consumers and our international trading partners demand.” 

AMIC said the inclusion of video surveillance systems reflected the program evolving to ensure it remains a world-leading best-practice certification system and that it provided technology for processors to monitor and validate animal welfare in processing plants. 

“First and foremost, VSS is a tool to assist processors – not a blunt regulatory instrument,” AMIC said. 

AAWCS is independently audited has been in place for more than a decade. AMIC said it would  establish a drafting committee of experts, including RSPCA Australia, to update the standards and work through necessary changes to the program over the coming months. 

The council strongly encouraged all processing establishments to join AAWCS, however, also recognised that some facilities may not have the systems and personnel in place to meet all the requirements. 

AMIC clearly stated it did not support VSS being a universal mandated requirement and/or incorporated into minimum standards, rather saying there were more pressing priorities that such businesses should focus on to underpin animal welfare, notably staff training and basic quality management systems.