1993L0119 — EN — 05.06.2003 — 001.001 — 1
This document is meant purely as a documentation tool and the institutions do not assume any liability for its contents
►B COUNCILDIRECTIVE93/119/EC
of22December 1993
ontheprotection ofanimalsatthetimeofslaughterorkilling
(OJ L 340, 31.12.1993, p. 21)
Amended by:
Official Journal
No page date
►M1Council Regulation (EC) No 806/2003 of 14 April 2003 L 122 1 16.5.2003
▼B
COUNCILDIRECTIVE93/119/EC
of22December 1993
ontheprotection ofanimalsatthetimeofslaughterorkilling
THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,
Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, and
in particular Article 43 thereof,
Having regard to the proposal from the Commission (1),
Having regard to the opinion of the European Parliament (2),
Having regard to the opinion of the Economic and Social
Committee (3),
Whereas Council Directive 74/577/EEC (4) established rules on the
stunning of animals before slaughter;
Whereas the European Convention for the Protection of Animals for
Slaughter was approved on behalf of the Community by Council Deci-sion 88/306/EEC (
5); whereas the scope of the Convention is wider than
existing Community rules on the matter;
Whereas national laws concerning the protection of animals at the time
of slaughter or killing have an impact on the conditions of competitionand accordingly on the operation of the common market in agriculturalproducts;
Whereas there is therefore a need to establish common minimum stan-
dards for the protection of animals at the time of slaughter or killing in
order to ensure rational development of production and to facilitate thecompletion of the internal market in animals and animal products;
Whereas at the time of slaughter or killing animals should be spared
any avoidable pain or suffering;
Whereas, however, it is necessary to allow for technical and scientific
experiments to be carried out and to take account of the particularrequirements of certain religious rites;
Whereas the rules should also ensure satisfactory protection, at the time
of slaughter or killing, for animals not covered by the Convention;
Whereas in the declaration on the protection of animals annexed to the
Final Act of the Treaty on European Union, the Conference calls uponthe European Parliament, the Council and the Commission, as well asthe Member States, when drafting and implementing Community legis-lation on the common agricultural policy, to pay full regard to the
welfare requirements of animals;
Whereas in so doing Community action must comply with the require-
ments arising out of the principle of subsidiarity laid down in Article3b of the Treaty;
Whereas Directive 74/577/EEC should be repealed,1993L0119 — EN — 05.06.2003 — 001.001 — 2
(1) OJ No C 314, 5. 12. 1991, p. 14.
(2) OJ No C 241, 21. 9. 1992, p. 75.
(3) OJ No C 106, 27. 4. 1992, p. 15.
(4) OJ No L 316, 26. 11. 1974, p. 10.
(5) OJ No L 137, 2. 6. 1988, p. 25.
▼B
HAS ADOPTED THIS DIRECTIVE:
CHAPTER I
General provisions
Article 1
1. This Directive shall apply to the movement, lairaging, restraint,
stunning, slaughter and killing of animals bred and kept for the produc-tion of meat, skin, fur or other products and to methods of killinganimals for the purpose of disease control.
2. It shall not apply to:
— technical or scientific experiments relating to the procedures
mentioned in paragraph 1, carried out under the supervision of thecompetent authority,
— animals which are killed in cultural or sports events,
— wild game killed in accordance withArticle 3 of Directive 92/45/
EEC.
Article 2
For the purposes of this Directive the following definitions shall apply:1.slaughterhouse: any premises, including facilities for moving or
lairaging animals, used for the commercial slaughter of animalsreferred to in Article 5 (1);
2.movement: unloading of animals or driving of them from unloading
platforms, stalls or pens at slaughterhouses to the premises or placewhere they are to be slaughtered;
3.lairaging: keeping animals in stalls, pens, covered areas or fields
used by slaughterhouses in order to give them any necessary atten-
tion (water, fodder, rest) before they are slaughtered;
4.restraint: the application to an animal of any procedure designed to
restrict its movements in order to facilitate effective stunning orkilling;
5.stunning: any process which, when applied to an animal, causes
immediate loss of consciousness which lasts until death;
6.killing:any process which causes the death of an animal;
7.slaughter: causing the death of an animal by bleeding;
8.competent authority: the central authority of a Member State compe-
tent to carry out veterinary checks or any authority to which it has
delegated that competence.
However, in the Member States, the religious authority on whose
behalf slaughter is carried out shall be competent for the applicationand monitoring of the special provisions which apply to slaughteraccording to certain religious rites. As regards the said provisions,that authority shall operate under the responsibility of the officialveterinarian, as defined in Article 2 of Directive 64/433/EEC.
Article 3
Animals shall be spared any avoidable excitement, pain or suffering
during movement, lairaging, restraint, stunning, slaughter or killing.
CHAPTER II
Requirementsapplicabletoslaughterhouses
Article 4
The construction, facilities and equipment of slaughterhouses, and their
operation, shall be such as to spare animals any avoidable excitement,pain or suffering.1993L0119 — EN — 05.06.2003 — 001.001 — 3
▼B
Article 5
1. Solipeds, ruminants, pigs, rabbits and poultry brought into slaugh-
terhouses for slaughter shall be:
(a) moved and if necessary lairaged in accordance withth e provisions
of Annex A;
(b) restrained in accordance withth e provisions of Annex B;
(c) stunned before slaughter or killed instantaneously in accordance
withth e provisions of Annex C;
(d) bled in accordance withth e provisions of Annex D.
2. In the case of animals subject to particular methods of slaughter
required by certain religious rites, the requirements of paragraph 1(c)shall not apply.
3. With due regard for the general rules of the Treaty, the competent
authorities of the Member States may, for establishments qualifying forderogations pursuant to Articles 4 and 13 of Directive 64/433/EEC,
Article 4 of Directive 91/498/EEC and Articles 7 and 18 of Directive
71/118/EEC, grant derogations from paragraph1(a) in respect of cattle,and from paragraph 1(a) and from the methods for stunning and killingreferred to in Annex C in respect of poultry, rabbits, pigs, sheep andgoats, provided that the requirements laid down in Article 3 are met.
Article 6
1. Instruments, restraint and other equipment and installations used
for stunning or killing must be designed, constructed, maintained and
used in sucha way as to ach ieve rapid and effective stunning or killingin accordance with the provisions of this Directive. The competentauthority shall check that the instruments, restraint and other equipmentused for stunning or killing comply with the above principles and shall
check regularly to ensure that they are in a good state of repair and will
allow the aforementioned objective to be attained.
2. Suitable spare equipment and instruments must be kept at the
place of slaughter for emergency use. They shall be properly main-
tained and inspected regularly.
Article 7
No person shall engage in the movement, lairaging, restraint, stunning,
slaughter or killing of animals unless he has the knowledge and skillnecessary to perform the tasks humanely and efficiently, in accordance
with the requirements of this Directive.
The competent authority shall ensure that persons employed for slaugh-
tering possess the necessary skill, ability and professional knowledge.
Article 8
Inspections and controls in slaughterhouses shall be carried out under
the responsibility of the competent authority, which shall at all timeshave free access to all parts of slaughterhouses in order to ascertaincompliance withth is Directive. However, suchinspections and controlsmay be carried out at the same time as controls carried out for otherpurposes.
CHAPTER III
Slaughterandkillingoutwithslaughterhouses
Article 9
1. Where animals referred to in Article 5 (1) are slaughtered outwith
slaughterhouses, Article 5 (1)(b), (c) and (d) shall apply.
2. Member States may, however, grant derogations from paragraph 1
in respect of poultry, rabbits, pigs, sheep and goats slaughtered orkilled outwith slaughterhouses by their owner for his personal1993L0119 — EN — 05.06.2003 — 001.001 — 4
▼B
consumption, provided that Article 3 is complied with and that pigs,
sheep and goats have been stunned in advance.
Article 10
1. Where animals referred to in Article 5 (1) are to be slaughtered or
killed for purposes of disease control, this shall be carried out in accor-dance withAnnex E.
2. Animals farmed for their fur shall be killed in accordance with
Annex F.
3. Surplus day-old chicks, as defined in Article 2 (3) of Directive
90/539/EEC, and embryos in hatchery waste shall be killed as rapidly
as possible in accordance withAnnex G.
Article 11
Articles 9 and 10 shall not apply in the case of an animal which has to
be killed immediately for emergency reasons.
Article 12
Injured or diseased animals must be slaughtered or killed on the spot.
However, the competent authority may authorize the transport of
injured or diseased animals for the purpose of slaughter or killingprovided that such transport does not entail further suffering for theanimals.
CHAPTER IV
Finalprovisions
Article 13
1. If necessary, rules on the protection of animals at the time of
slaughter or killing other than those in this Directive shall be adoptedby the Council acting by a qualified majority on a proposal from theCommission.
2. (a) The Annexes to this Directive shall be amended by the Council
acting on a proposal from the Commission, in accordance with
the procedure laid down in paragraph 1, in particular in order toadapt them to technological and scientific progress;
(b) in addition, and no later than 31 December 1995, the Commis-
sion shall submit to the Council a report drawn up on the basisof an opinion from the Scientific Veterinary Committee togetherwithappropriate proposals concerning th e use, in particular, of:
— free bullet pistols, applied to the brain, or of gases other than
those referred to in Annex C or combinations thereof forstunning and more particularly carbon dioxide for stunningpoultry,
— gases other than those referred to in Annex C or combina-
tions thereof for killing,
— any other scientifically recognized procedure for stunning or
killing.
The Council shall act by a qualified majority on these proposals;
(c) by way of derogation from (a), and no later than 31 December
1995, the Commission, in accordance with the procedure laiddown in Article 16, shall submit to the Standing VeterinaryCommittee a report drawn up on the basis of an opinion fromthe Scientific Veterinary Committee, together with appropriate
proposals, witha view to laying down:
(i) the strength and duration of use of the current necessary to
stun the various species concerned;
(ii) the gas concentration and length of exposure necessary to
stun the various species concerned;1993L0119 — EN — 05.06.2003 — 001.001 — 5
▼B
(d) pending implementation of paragraphs (b) and (c), national rules
in the matter shall apply, in compliance with the general provi-sions of the Treaty.
Article 14
1. Commission experts may make on-the-spot checks in so far as is
necessary to ensure uniform application of this Directive. In order to do
this, they may check a representative sample of establishments toensure that the competent authority is checking that the said establish-ments are fulfilling the requirements of this Directive.
The Commission shall inform the Member States of the result of the
checks carried out.
2. The checks referred to in paragraph 1 shall be carried out in
collaboration with the competent authority.
3. A Member State in whose territory a check is being carried out
shall give all the necessary assistance to the experts in carrying out
their duties.
4. The detailed rules for implementing this Article shall be deter-
mined in accordance withth e procedure laid down in Article 16.
Article 15
In the course of the inspection of slaughterhouses or establishments
which have been or are to be approved in third countries for the
purpose of being able to export to the Community in accordance withCommunity rules, the Commission experts shall ensure that the animalsreferred to in Article 5 have been slaughtered under conditions whichoffer guarantees of humane treatment at least equivalent to those
provided for in this Directive.
To enable meat to be imported from a third country the health certifi-
cate accompanying suchmeat must be supplemented by an attestationcertifying that the above requirement has been met.
Article 16
1. The Commission shall be assisted by the Standing Committee on
the Food Chain and Animal Health set up pursuant to Article 58 of
Regulation (EC) No 178/2002 (
1).
2. Where reference is made to this Article, Articles 5 and 7 of Deci-
sion 1999/468/EC (2) shall apply.
The period laid down in Article 5(6) of Decision 1999/468/EC shall be
set at three months.
3. The Committee shall adopt its Rules of Procedure.
Article 17
Directive 74/577/EEC shall be repealed with effect from 1 January
1995.
Article 18
1. Member States shall bring into force the laws, regulations and
administrative provisions, including any penalties, necessary to complywith this Directive on 1 January 1995. They shall forthwith inform theCommission thereof.
When Member States adopt these measures, they shall contain a refer-
ence to this Directive or shall be accompanied by such reference on the1993L0119 — EN — 05.06.2003 — 001.001 — 6
(1) OJ L 31, 1.2.2002, p. 1.
(2) OJ L 184, 17.7.1999, p. 23.▼M1
▼B
▼B
occasion of their official publication. The methods of making such
reference shall be laid down by Member States.
2. However, as from the date laid down in paragraph 1, Member
States may, with due regard for the general rules of the Treaty, main-
tain or apply in their territory more stringent provisions than thosecontained in this Directive. They shall inform the Commission of anysuchmeasures.
3. Member States shall communicate to the Commission the texts of
the main provisions of national law which they adopt in the fieldgoverned by this Directive.
Article 19
This Directive is addressed to the Member States.1993L0119 — EN — 05.06.2003 — 001.001 — 7
▼B
ANNEX A
REQUIREMENTS FOR THE MOVEMENT ANDLAIRAGING OF
ANIMALSINSLAUGHTERHOUSES
I.General requirements
1. Every slaughterhouse coming into operation after 30 June 1994 must
have suitable equipment and facilities available for the purpose of
unloading animals from means of transport, and all existing slaughter-
houses must comply with these requirements by 1 January 1996.
2. Animals must be unloaded as soon as possible after arrival. If delay is
unavoidable they must be protected from extremes of weather and
provided withadequate ventilation.
3. Animals which might injure each other on account of their species, sex,
age or origin must be kept and lairaged apart from eachoth er.
4. Animals must be protected from adverse weather conditions. If they have
been subjected to high temperatures in humid weather they must be
cooled by appropriate means.
5. The condition and state of health of the animals must be inspected at
least every morning and evening.
6. Without prejudice to the provisions laid down in Chapter VI of Annex I
to Directive 64/433/EEC, animals which have experienced pain or
suffering during transport or upon arrival at the slaughterhouse, and
unweaned animals, must be slaughtered immediately. If this is not
possible, they must be separated and slaughtered as soon as possible
and at least within the following two hours. Animals which are uanble
to walk must not be dragged to the place of slaughter, but must be killed
where they lie or, where it is possible and does not entail any unneces-
sary suffering, transported on a trolley or movable platform to the place
of emergency slaughter.
II.Requirementsforanimalsdelivered otherthanincontainers
1. Where slaughterhouses have equipment for unloading animals, such
equipment must have non-slip flooring and, if necessary, be provided
withlateral protection. Bridges, ramps and gangways must be fitted
withsides, railings or some oth er means of protection to prevent
animals falling off them. Exit or entry ramps must have the minimum
possible incline.
2. During unloading, care must be taken not to frighten, excite or mistreat
the animals, and to ensure that they are not overturned. Animals must
not be lifted by the head, horns, ears, feet, tail or fleece in such a way
as to cause them unnecessary pain or suffering. When necessary, they
must be led individually.
3. Animals must be moved withcare. Passageways must be so constructed
as to minimize the risk of injury to animals, and so arranged as to
exploit their gregarious tendencies. Instruments intended for guiding
animals must be used solely for that purpose, and only for short
periods. Instruments which administer electric shocks may be used
only for adult bovine animals and pigs which refuse to move, provided
that the shocks last no more than two seconds, are adequately spaced
out and that the animals have room ahead of them in which to move.
Such shocks may be applied only to the muscles of the hindquarters.
4. Animals must not be struck on, nor shall pressure be applied to, any
particularly sensitive part of the body. In particular, animals' tails must
not be crushed, twisted or broken and their eyes must not be grasped.
Blows and kicks must not be inflicted.
5. Animals must not be taken to the place of slaughter unless they can be
slaughtered immediately. If they are not slaughtered immediately on
arrival they must be lairaged.
6. Without prejudice to derogations granted pursuant to Articles 4 and 13
of Directive 64/433/EEC, slaughterhouses must be equipped with a
sufficient number of pens for adequate lairaging of the animals with
protection from the effects of adverse weather.1993L0119 — EN — 05.06.2003 — 001.001 — 8
▼B
7. In addition to complying withrequirements already laid down in
Community rules, lairages must have:
— floors which minimize the risk of slipping and which do not cause
injury to animals in contact withth em,
— adequate ventilation, taking into account the extremes of tempera-
ture and humidity which may be expected. Where mechanical
means of ventilation are required, provision must be made for emer-
gency back-up facilities in the event of breakdown,
— artificial lighting at a level sufficient to permit inspection of all
animals at any time; if necessary, adequate back-up lighting must
be available,
— where necessary, equipment for tethering animals,— where necessary, adequate supplies of a suitable bedding material
for all animals kept in the lairage overnight.
8. Where, in addition to the lairages referred to above, slaughterhouses
also have field lairages without natural shelter or shade, appropriate
protection from adverse weather must be provided. Field lairages must
be maintained in suchcondition as to ensure th at animals are not
subjected to physical, chemical or other health hazards.
9. Animals which are not taken directly upon arrival to the place of
slaughter must have drinking water available to them from appropriate
facilities at all times. Animals which have not been slaughtered within
12 hours of their arrival must be fed, and must subsequently be given
moderate amounts of food at appropriate intervals.
10. Animals which are kept for 12 hours or more at a slaughterhouse must
be lairaged and, where appropriate, tethered, in such a way that they
can lie down without difficulty. Where animals are not tethered, food
must be provided in a way which will permit the animals to feed undis-
turbed.
III.Requirementsforanimalsdelivered incontainers
1. Containers in which animals are transported must be handled with care,
and must not be thrown, dropped or knocked over. Where possible, they
must be loaded and unloaded horizontally and mechanically.
2. Animals delivered in containers withperforated or flexible bottoms must
be unloaded withparticular care in order to avoid injury. Wh ere appro-
priate, animals must be unloaded from the containers individually.
3. Animals which have been transported in containers must be slaughtered
as soon as possible; otherwise they must if necessary be watered and fed
in accordance withpoint II.9.1993L0119 — EN — 05.06.2003 — 001.001 — 9
▼B
ANNEX B
RESTRAINT OF ANIMALS BEFORE STUNNING, SLAUGHTER OR
KILLING
1. Animals must be restrained in an appropriate manner in sucha way as to
spare them any avoidable pain, suffering, agitation, injury or contusions.
However, in the case of ritual slaughter, restraint of bovine animals before
slaughter using a mechanical method intended to avoid any pain, suffering
or agitation and any injuries or contusions to the animals is obligatory.
2. Animals' legs must not be tied, and animals must not be suspended before
stunning or killing. However, poultry and rabbits may be suspended for
slaughter provided that appropriate measures are taken to ensure that, on the
point of being stunned, they are in a sufficiently relaxed state for stunning to
be carried out effectively and without undue delay.
Furthermore, holding an animal in a restraint system may in no circum-
stances be regarded as suspension.
3. Animals which are stunned or killed by mechanical or electrical means
applied to the head must be presented in such a position that the equipment
can be applied and operated easily, accurately and for the appropriate time.
The competent authority may, however, in the case of solipeds and cattle,
authorize the use of appropriate means to restrain head movements.
4. Electrical stunning equipment must not be used as a means of restraint or
immobilization or to make animals move.1993L0119 — EN — 05.06.2003 — 001.001 — 10
▼B
ANNEX C
STUNNING OR KILLING OF ANIMALS OTHER THAN ANIMALS
REAREDFORFUR
I. PERMITTED METHODS
A.Stunning
1. Captive bolt pistol
2. Concussion3. Electronarcosis4. Exposure to carbon dioxide
B.Killing
1. Free bullet pistol or rifle
2. Electrocution
3. Exposure to carbon dioxide
C. The competent authority may, however, authorize decapitation, disloca-
tion of the neck and the use of a vacuum chamber as a method of killing
for certain specific species, provided that Article 3 is complied with and
that the specific requirements laid down in point III of this Annex are
met.
II. SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS FOR STUNNING
Stunning must not be carried out unless it is possible to bleed the animals
immediately afterwards.
1.Captive bolt pistol
(a) Instruments must be positioned so as to ensure that the projectile
enters the cerebral cortex. In particular, it is prohibited to shoot
cattle in the poll position.
Sheep and goats may be shot in the poll position if the presence of
horns prevents use of the crown position. In such cases the shot must
be placed immediately behind the base of the horns and aimed
towards the mouth, and bleeding must commence within 15 seconds
of shooting.
(b) When using a captive bolt instrument, the operator must check to
ensure that the bolt retracts to its full extent after each shot. If it
does not so retract, the instrument must not be used again until it
has been repaired.
(c) Animals must not be placed in stunning pens unless the operator
who is to stun them is ready to do so as soon as the animal is placed
in the pen. Animals must not be placed in head restraint until the
slaughterman is ready to stun them.
2.Concussion
(a) This is only permitted using a mechanically-operated instrument
which administers a blow to the skull. The operator must ensure
that the instrument is applied in the proper position and that the
correct strengthof cartridge is used, in accordance withth e manufac-
turer's instructions, to produce an effective stun without fracture of
the skull.
(b) However, in the case of small batches of rabbits, where a non-
mechanical blow to the skull is used, that operation must be carried
out in such a way that the animal is immediately rendered uncon-
scious and remains so until its deathand in compliance withth e
general provisions of Article 3.
3.Electronarcosis
A. Electrodes
1. Electrodes must be so placed that they span the brain, enabling the
current to pass through it. Appropriate measures must also be1993L0119 — EN — 05.06.2003 — 001.001 — 11
▼B
taken to ensure that there is good electrical contact, in particular
by removing excess wool or wetting skin.
2. Where animals are stunned individually, the apparatus must:
(a) incorporate a device which measures the impedance of the
load and prevents operation of the apparatus if the minimum
required current cannot be passed;
(b) incorporate an audible or visible device indicating the length
of time of its application to an animal;
(c) be connected to a device indicating the voltage and the current
under load, positioned so as to be clearly visible to the
operator.
B. Waterbathstunners
1. Where waterbath stunners are used to stun poultry, the level of the
water must be adjustable in order to ensure that there is good
contact with the bird's head.
The strength and duration of the current used in this case will be
determined by the competent authority so as to ensure that the
animal is immediately rendered unconscious and remains so until
death.
2. Where poultry are stunned in groups in a waterbath, a voltage
sufficient to produce a current strong enoughto ensure th at every
bird is stunned must be maintained.
3. Appropriate measures must be taken to ensure that the current
passes properly, in particular good electrical contacts and wetting
the shackle-to-leg contact.
4. Waterbaths for poultry must be adequate in size and depth for the
type of bird being slaughtered, and must not overflow at the
entrance. The electrode which is immersed in the water must
extend the length of the waterbath.
5. If necessary, manual back-up must be available.
4.Exposure to carbon dioxide
1. The concentration of carbon dioxide for stunning pigs must be at least
70 % by volume.
2. The chamber in which pigs are exposed to the gas, and the equipment
used for conveying the pigs through it, must be so designed,
constructed and maintained as to avoid injury to the pigs and
compression of the chest and enable them to remain upright until
they lose consciousness. Adequate lighting must be provided in the
conveying mechanism and the chamber to allow pigs to see other
pigs or their surroundings.
3. The chamber must be fitted with devices for measuring the gas
concentration at the point of maximum exposure and for giving a
clearly visible and audible warning if the concentration of carbon
dioxide falls below the required level.
4. Pigs must be placed in pens or containers in which they can see each
other and conveyed into the gas chamber within 30 seconds from their
entry into the installation. They must be conveyed as rapidly as
possible from the entrance to the point of maximum concentration of
the gas and must be exposed to it for long enough to ensure that they
remain unconscious until they have been killed.
III. SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS FOR KILLING
1.Free bullet pistol or rifle
These methods, which may be used to kill various species, in particular
large farmed game and deer, are subject to authorization by the compe-
tent authority, which must ensure in particular that they are used by duly
qualified staff and in compliance withth e general provisions of Article 3
of this Directive.
2.Decapitation and dislocation of the neck
These methods, which are to be used only for killing poultry, are subject
to authorization by the competent authority, which must ensure in parti-1993L0119 — EN — 05.06.2003 — 001.001 — 12
▼B
cular that they are used by duly qualified staff and in compliance with
the general provisions of Article 3 to this Directive.
3.Electrocution and carbon dioxide
The competent authority may authorize the killing of various species by
these methods provided that, in addition to the general provisions of
Article 3, the specific provisions laiddown in point II (3) and (4) of this
Annex are complied with. It shall also, to achieve this, lay down the
strength and duration of the current used and the concentration and
lengthof exposure to carbon dioxide.
4.Vacuum chamber
This method, which is to be used only for the killing without bleeding of
certain animals for consumption belonging to farmed game species
(quail, partridge and pheasant), is subject to authorization by the compe-
tent authority, which shall ensure, in addition to compliance with the
requirements laid down in Article 3, that:
— the animals are placed in an airtight chamber in which a vacuum is
swiftly achieved by means of a powerful electric pump,
— the vacuum is maintained until the animals are dead,— the animals are held in groups in transport containers which can be
placed in the vacuum chamber, which is designed for that purpose.1993L0119 — EN — 05.06.2003 — 001.001 — 13
▼B
ANNEX D
BLEEDINGOFANIMALS
1. For animals which have been stunned, bleeding must be started as soon as
possible after stunning and be carried out in sucha way as to bring about
rapid, profuse and complete bleeding. In any event, the bleeding must be
carried out before the animal regains consciousness.
2. All animals which have been stunned must be bled by incising at least one of
the carotid arteries or the vessels from which they arise.
After incision of the blood vessels, no further dressing procedures nor any
electrical stimulation may be performed on the animals before the bleeding
has ended.
3. Where one person is responsible for the stunning, shackling, hoisting and
bleeding of animals, that person must carry out those operations consecu-
tively on one animal before carrying them out on another animal.
4. Manual back-up must be available where poultry is bled by means of auto-
matic neck-cutters so that, in the event of a breakdown, birds may be
slaughtered immediately.1993L0119 — EN — 05.06.2003 — 001.001 — 14
▼B
ANNEX E
KILLINGMETHODSFORDISEASECONTROL
Permitted methods
Any method permitted under Annex C which causes certain death.
In addition, the competent authority may, in compliance with the general provi-
sions of Article 3 of this Directive, permit the use of other methods for killing
conscious animals, ensuring in particular that:
— if methods are used which do not cause immediate death (for example,
captive bolt shooting), appropriate measures are taken to kill the animals as
soon as possible, and in any event before they regain consciousness,
— nothing more is done to the animals before it has been ascertained that they
are dead.1993L0119 — EN — 05.06.2003 — 001.001 — 15
▼B
ANNEX F
METHODSOFKILLINGFURANIMALS
I.Permitted methods
1. Mechanically-operated instruments which penetrate the brain.2. Injection of an overdose of a drug withanaesth etic properties.3. Electrocution withcardiac arrest.4. Exposure to carbon monoxide.5. Exposure to chloroform.6. Exposure to carbon dioxide.The competent authority shall decide on the most appropriate method of
killing for the different species concerned in compliance with the general
provisions of Article 3 of this Directive.
II.Specific requirements
1.Mechanically-operated instruments which penetrate the brain
(a) Instruments must be positioned so as to ensure that the projectile
enters the cerebral cortex.
(b) This method is permitted only if it is followed by immediate
bleeding.
2.Injection of an overdose of a drug with anaesthetic properties
Only those anaesthetics, doses and applications which cause immediate
loss of consciousness followed by deathmay be used.
3.Electrocution with cardiac arrest
Electrodes must be placed so that they span the brain and the heart and
the minimum current level used must lead to immediate loss of
consciousness and cardiac arrest. However, for foxes, where electrodes
are applied to the mouth and rectum, a current of an average value of
0,3 amps must be applied for at least 3 seconds.
4.Exposure to carbon monoxide
(a) The chamber in which the animals are exposed to the gas must be
designed, constructed and maintained in sucha way as to avoid injury
to the animals and allow them to be supervised.
(b) The animals must be introduced into the chamber only after it has
been filled witha concentration of carbon monoxide of at least 1 %
by volume, supplied by a source of 100 % carbon monoxide.
(c) The gas produced by an engine specially adapted for that purpose
may be used to kill mustelids and chinchillas provided that tests
have shown that the gas used:
— has been suitably cooled,
— has been sufficiently filtered,
— is free from any irritant matter or gas,— and that the animals cannot be placed in the chamber until the
concentration of carbon monoxide has reached at least 1 % by
volume.
(d) When inhaled the gas must first induce deep general anaesthesia and
must then cause certain death.
(e) The animals must remain in the chamber until they are dead.
5.Exposure to chloroform
Exposure to chloroform may be used to kill chinchillas provided that:
(a) the chamber in which the animals are exposed to the gas is designed,
constructed and maintained in sucha way as to avoid injury to th e
animals and allow them to be supervised;
(b) the animals are introduced into the chamber only if it contains a satu-
rated chloroform-air compound;1993L0119 — EN — 05.06.2003 — 001.001 — 16
▼B
(c) when inhaled, the gas first induces deep general anaesthesia and then
causes certain death;
(d) the animals remain in the chamber until they are dead.
6.Exposure to carbon dioxide
Carbon dioxide may be used to kill mustelids and chinchillas provided
that:
(a) the chamber in which the animals are exposed to the gas is designed,
constructed and maintained in sucha way as to avoid injury to th e
animals and allow them to be supervised;
(b) the animals are introduced into the chamber only when the atmo-
sphere contains the highest possible concentration of carbon dioxide
supplied by a source of 100 % carbon dioxide;
(c) when inhaled, the gas first induces deep general anaesthesia and then
causes certain death;
(d) the animals remain in the chamber until they are dead.1993L0119 — EN — 05.06.2003 — 001.001 — 17
▼B
ANNEX G
KILLING OF SURPLUS CHICKS ANDEMBRYOS IN HATCHERY
WASTE
I.Permitted methodsforthekillingofchicks
1. Use of a mechanical apparatus causing rapid death.
2. Exposure to carbon dioxide.
3. However, the competent authority may permit the use of other scientifi-
cally recognized killing methods provided that they comply with the
general provisions of Article 3.
II.Specific requirements
1.Use of a mechanical apparatus producing rapid death
(a) The animals must be killed by an apparatus which contains rapidly
rotating mechanically operated killing blades or expanded poly-
styrene projections.
(b) The capacity of the apparatus must be sufficient to ensure that all
animals are killed immediately, even if they are handled in large
numbers.
2.Exposure to carbon dioxide
(a) The animals must be placed in an atmosphere with the highest
obtainable concentration of carbon dioxide, supplied by a source of
100 % carbon dioxide.
(b) The animals must remain in this atmosphere until they are dead.
III.Permitted methodforthekillingofembryos
1. To kill any living embryos instantaneously, all hatchery waste must be
treated by the mechanical apparatus mentioned in point II (1).
2. However, the competent authority may permit the use of other scientifi-
cally recognized killing methods provided that they comply with the
general provisions of Article 3.1993L0119 — EN — 05.06.2003 — 001.001 — 18