In Spain, Royal Decree 695/2022 came into effect on August 24, according to a government-issued press release. The decree establishes measures for the control of animal welfare in slaughterhouses through the use of video surveillance. Small abattoirs will have one year to comply with the new measures.

Slaughterhouses will now be required to have video surveillance systems that allow for animal welfare controls to be carried out. The new surveillance systems will serve both abattoir operators, as well as the authorities whose responsibility it is to ensure compliance with animal welfare regulations. 

With this measure, Spain is a pioneer in the EU in the mandatory installation of video surveillance systems for the control of animal welfare in all slaughterhouses in the country.