Jersey abattoir (FOI)

Request

A

Please advise how many animals are slaughtered at the Jersey abattoir per week?

B

What is the breakdown of animals slaughtered ie number of cows, pigs, and sheep?

C

What is the average wait at the abattoir for an animal to be slaughtered?

D

Are all animals slaughtered on the same day?

E

Is the States Vet always on site during slaughtering?

F

How many days a week does the abattoir operate?

Response

A

Approximately 15-50 animals are slaughtered every week. This fluctuates seasonally.

B

The average breakdown of species is set out below:

• cattle between 10 - 15

• pigs between 10 - 20

• sheep between 0 - 15

C

The average wait at the abattoir is set out below:

• cattle between 15 Min - 5hrs

• pigs between 3hrs - 10hrs

• sheep between 3hrs - 7hrs

During this period all animals are provided with water.

D

All animals are slaughtered on the same day.

E

An Official Veterinarian, ie a vet working for or on behalf of the government, is always present during slaughter. Sometimes this will be the States Vet, sometimes another Official Veterinarian.

F

The abattoir operates five days a week to the schedule below.

• Monday - preparation and sterilization of the halls

• Tuesday - slaughter day for all three species; refrigeration of carcases and primary cleaning and waste removal

• Wednesday - vertical column removal of over 30 month old cattle carcases; waste removal and primary cleaning

• Thursday - carcass and offal dispatch to customers; deep cleaning of all areas unless maintenance is being undertaken

• Friday - records updated and filed; canteen, office, overalls & shower cleaned; deep clean after maintenance complete