ANIMAL PROTECTION AND THE OFFICIAL VETERINARIAN - A REPORT ON EXPERIENCE GAINED

The author reports on the practical implementation of animal protection measures at the slaughterhouse and on the problems associated with it. As things stand at present it is only the veterinarian who can guarantee systematic monitoring of animal protection in this field. In order to create a proper basis for this a change is needed in the present legal position of veterinarians, who are mainly employed in communal organizations, or in the regulations of the Lander on the implementation of the Animal Protection Act. In addition to this there should be provisions to ensure that the unloading of animal transport vehicles is monitored and that compulsory times of delivery at the slaughterhouse are introduced. Legally binding regulations on loading density. protection from the weather, animal transport vehicles, stunning plant, etc. would appear to be necessary.