Animal Slaughter or Killing (Protection) Regulations, 2003.

L.N. 260 of 2003

ANIMAL WELFARE ACT

(ACT NO. XXV OF 2001)

Animal Slaughter or Killing (Protection) Regulations, 2003.

IN exercise of the powers conferred by articles 11 and 12 of the Animal Welfare Act,

2001, the Minister for Rural Affairs and the Environment has made the following

regulations:-

CHAPTER I

General provisions

Title and scope.

(1) The title of these regulations is the Animal Slaughter and Killing

(Protection) Regulation, 2003.

(2) These regulations shall apply to the movement, lairaging, restraint,

stunning, slaughter and killing of animals bred and kept for the

production of meat, skin, fur or other products and to methods of killing

animals for the purpose of disease control.

(3) These regulations shall not apply to -

(a) technical or scientific experiments relating to the procedures

mentioned in sub-regulation (1), carried out under the supervision

of the Veterinary Services;

(b) animals which are killed in cultural or sports events;

(c) wild game killed in accordance with article 3 of European Union

Council Directive 92/45/EEC;

(4) The scope of these regulations is to implement the provisions found under

European Union Council Directive 93/119/EEC on the protection of animals

at the time of slaughter or killing.

B

Requirements for the movement and lairaging of animals in slaughterhouses

I.

General requirements

1. Every slaughterhouse must have suitable equipment and facilities available for the purpose

of unloading animals from means of transport, and must comply with these requirements.

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 with adequate ventilation.

3. Animals which might injure each other on account of their species, sex, age or origin must

be kept and lairaged apart from each other.

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 European Union

Council 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 unable 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 unnecessary

suffering, transported on a trolley or movable platform to the place of emergency slaughter.

II.

Requirements for animals delivered other than in containers

1. Where slaughterhouses have equipment for unloading animals, such equipment must have

non-slip flooring and, if necessary, be provided with lateral protection. Bridges, ramps and gangways

must be fitted with sides, railings or some other 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 with care. Passageways must be so constructed as to minimise 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 European Union

Council 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.

7. In addition to complying with requirements already laid down in Community rules,

lairages must have -

(a) floors which minimise the risk of slipping and which do not cause injury to animals in

contact with them,

(b) adequate ventilation, taking into account the extremes of temperature and humidity

which may be expected,

(c) where mechanical means of ventilation are required, provision must be made for

emergency backup facilities in the event of breakdown,

(d) artificial lighting at a level sufficient to permit inspection of all animals at any time; if

necessary, adequate backup lighting must be available,

(e) where necessary, equipment for tethering animals,

(f) 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 such condition as to ensure that 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 undisturbed.

Requirements for animals delivered in containers

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 with perforated or flexible bottoms must be unloaded with

particular care in order to avoid injury. Where appropriate, animals must be unloaded from the

containers individually.

B

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 with Part II provision 9 of

this Schedule.

B

For the purposes of these regulations the following definitions shall apply –

(a) “competent authority” means the central authority of a Trading

Partner competent to carry out veterinary checks or any authority to

which it has delegated that competence. In the territory of Malta,

“competent authority” means the Veterinary Services. However, the

religious authority on whose behalf slaughter is carried out shall be

competent for the application and monitoring of the special

provisions, which apply to slaughter according to certain religious

rites. As regards the said provisions, that authority shall operate under

the responsibility of the official veterinarian, as defined in article 2 of

European Union Council Directive 64/433/EEC.

(b) “killing” means any process which causes the death of an animal;

(c) “lairaging” means keeping animals in stalls, pens, covered areas or

fields used by slaughterhouses in order to give them any necessary

attention (water, fodder, rest) before they are slaughtered;

(d) “movement” means unloading of animals or driving of them from

unloading platforms, stalls or pens at slaughterhouses to the premises

or place where they are to be slaughtered;

(e) “restraint” means the application to an animal of any procedure

designed to restrict its movements in order to facilitate effective

stunning or killing;

(f) “slaughter” means causing the death of an animal by bleeding;

(g) “slaughterhouse” means any premises, including facilities for

moving or lairaging animals, used for the commercial slaughter of

animals referred to in regulation 5 (1) of these regulations;

(h) “stunning” means any process which, when applied to an animal,

causes immediate loss of consciousness which lasts until death;

(i) “trading partner” shall have the same meaning as provided in

article 2 of the Veterinary Services Act and shall include Member

States of the European Union.

Avoidable excitement, pain and suffering to animals.

Restraint of animals before stunning, slaughter or killing

1. Animals must be restrained in an appropriate manner in such a 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 circumstances 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,

authorise the use of appropriate means to restrain head movements.

4. Electrical stunning equipment must not be used as a means of restraint or immobilisation

or to make animals move.

B

Animals shall be spared any avoidable excitement, pain or suffering during

movement, lairaging, restraint, stunning, slaughter or killing.

CHAPTER II

Requirements applicable to slaughterhouses

Construction, facilities and equipment of slaughterhouses.

Stunning or killing of animals other than animals reared for fur

I.

Permitted methods

A.

Stunning

1. Captive bolt pistol

2. Concussion

3. Electronarcosis

4. Exposure to carbon dioxide

B.

Killing

1. Free bullet pistol or rifle

2. Electrocution

3. Exposure to carbon dioxide

C.

The Veterinary Services may, however, authorise decapitation, dislocation 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 Part III of this Schedule 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 strength of cartridge is used, in accordance with the manufacturer'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

unconscious and remains so until its death and in compliance with the general provisions of Article 3.

B

3. ELECTRONARCOSIS

A.

Electrodes

(i) Electrodes must be so placed that they span the brain, enabling the current to pass through

it.

Appropriate measures must also be taken to ensure that there is good electrical contact, in particular

by removing excess wool or wetting skin.

(ii) 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.

Waterbath stunners

(i) 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 Veterinary Services so as to ensure that the

animal is immediately rendered unconscious and remains so until death.

(ii) Where poultry are stunned in groups in a waterbath, a voltage sufficient to produce a

current strong enough to ensure that every bird is stunned must be maintained.

(iii) Appropriate measures must be taken to ensure that the current passes properly, in

particular good electrical contacts and wetting the shackle-to-leg contact.

(iv) 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.

(v) If necessary, manual backup must be available.

4. EXPOSURE TO CARBON DIOXIDE

(a) The concentration of carbon dioxide for stunning pigs must be at least 70 % by volume.

(b) 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.

(c)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.

B

(d) 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 authorisation by the Veterinary Services, which

must ensure in particular that they are used by duly qualified staff and in compliance with the general

provisions of regulation 3 of these regulations.

2. Decapitation and dislocation of the neck - these methods, which are to be used only for

killing poultry, are subject to authorisation by the Veterinary Services, which must ensure in particular

that they are used by duly qualified staff and in compliance with the general provisions of regulation 3

to these regulations.

3. Electrocution and carbon dioxide - the Veterinary Services may authorise the killing of

various species by these methods provided that, in addition to the general provisions of regulation 3,

the specific provisions laid down in Part II provisions 3 and 4 of this Schedule are complied with. It

shall also, to achieve this, lay down the strength and duration of the current used and the concentration

and length of 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 authorisation by the Veterinary Services, which shall ensure, in addition to compliance

with the requirements laid down in regulation 3, that -

(a) the animals are placed in an airtight chamber in which a vacuum is swiftly

achieved by means of a powerful electric pump,

(b) the vacuum is maintained until the animals are dead,

(c) the animals are held in groups in transport containers which can be placed in the

vacuum chamber, which is designed for that purpose.

B

The construction, facilities and equipment of slaughterhouses, and their

operation, shall be such as to spare animals any avoidable excitement, pain or

suffering.

Methods used for slaughter in slaughterhouses.

Bleeding of animals

1. For animals, which have been stunned, bleeding must be started as soon as possible after

stunning and be carried out in such a 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 consecutively on one animal before carrying

them out on another animal.

4. Manual backup must be available where poultry is bled by means of automatic neckcutters

so that, in the event of a breakdown, birds may be slaughtered immediately.

B

(1) Solipeds, ruminants, pigs, rabbits and poultry brought into

slaughterhouses for slaughter shall be –

(a) Moved and if necessary lairaged in accordance with the provisions

of Schedule A;

(b) Restrained in accordance with the provisions of Schedule B;

(c) Stunned before slaughter or killed instantaneously in accordance

with the provisions of Schedule C;

(d) Bled in accordance with the provisions of Schedule D.

(2) In the case of animals subject to particular methods of slaughter required

by certain religious rites, the requirements of sub-regulations (1)(c) of this

article shall not apply.

(3) Veterinary Services may, for establishments qualifying for derogation

pursuant to articles 4 and 13 of European Union Council Directive

64/433/EEC and articles 7 of European Union Council Directive

71/118/EEC, grant derogation from sub-regulation (1)(a) in respect of cattle,

and from the methods for stunning and killing referred to in Schedule C in

respect of poultry, rabbits, pigs, sheep and goats, provided that the

requirements laid down in article 3 are met.

B

Instruments, restraint, equipment and installation used for stunning and killing.

Killing methods for disease control

1. Permitted methods: Any method permitted under Schedule C which causes certain death.

2. In addition, the Veterinary Services may, in compliance with the general provisions of

regulation 3 of these regulations, permit the use of other methods for killing conscious animals,

ensuring in particular that

(a) 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,

(b) nothing more is done to the animals before it has been ascertained that they are

dead.

(1) Instruments, restraint and other equipment and installations used for

stunning or killing must be designed, constructed, maintained and used in

such a way as to achieve rapid and effective stunning or killing in accordance

with the provisions of these regulations. The Veterinary Services shall check

that the instruments, restraint and other equipment used 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 maintained and inspected

regularly.

Who may engage in the movement, lairaging, restraint, stunning, slaughter or

killing of animals.

Methods of killing fur animals

Permitted methods

1. Mechanically-operated instruments which penetrate the brain.

2. Injection of an overdose of a drug with anaesthetic properties.

3. Electrocution with cardiac arrest.

4. Exposure to carbon monoxide.

5. Exposure to chloroform.

6. Exposure to carbon dioxide.

The Veterinary Services shall decide on the most appropriate method of killing for the different

species concerned in compliance with the general provisions of Article 3 of these regulations.

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 death may 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 such a 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 with a

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

(i) has been suitably cooled,

(ii) has been sufficiently filtered,

B

(iii) is free from any irritant matter or gas,

(iv) 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 such a way as to avoid injury to the animals and allow them to be supervised;

(b) the animals are introduced into the chamber only if it contains a saturated chloroform-air

compound;

(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 such a way as to avoid injury to the animals and allow them to be supervised;

(b) the animals are introduced into the chamber only when the atmosphere 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.

No person shall engage in the movement, lairaging, restraint, stunning,

slaughter or killing of animals unless he has the knowledge and skill

necessary to perform the tasks humanely and efficiently, in accordance with

the requirements of these regulations. The Veterinary Services shall ensure

that persons employed for slaughtering possess the necessary skill, ability and

professional knowledge.

Inspections and controls in slaughterhouses.

Killing of surplus chicks and embryos in hatchery waste

Permitted methods for the killing of chicks

1. Use of a mechanical apparatus causing rapid death.

2. Exposure to carbon dioxide.

3. However, the Veterinary Services may permit the use of other scientifically recognised

killing methods provided that they comply with the general provisions of Article 3.

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 polystyrene 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.

Permitted method for the killing of embryos

1. To kill any living embryos instantaneously, all hatchery waste must be treated by the

mechanical apparatus mentioned in Part II provision 1.

2. However, the Veterinary Services may permit the use of other scientifically recognised

killing methods provided that they comply with the general provisions of regulation 3.

Mitbug] fl-Istamperija tal-Gvern — Printed at the Government Printing Press

Inspections and controls in slaughterhouses shall be carried out under the

responsibility of the Veterinary Services, which shall at all times have free

access to all parts of slaughterhouses in order to ascertain compliance with

these regulations. However, such inspections and controls may be carried out

at the same time as controls carried out for other purposes.

CHAPTER III

Slaughter and killing outwith slaughterhouses

Application of regulation 5.

(1) Where animals referred to in regulation 5(1) are slaughtered outwith

slaughterhouses, regulation 5(1)(b), (c) and (d) shall apply.

(2) Veterinary Services may, however, grant derogation from sub-regulation

(1) of this regulation, in respect of poultry, rabbits, pigs, sheep and goats

slaughtered or killed outwith slaughterhouses by their owner for his personal

consumption, provided that regulation 3 of these regulations is complied with

and that pigs, sheep and goats have been stunned in advance.

Animals slaughtered or killed for disease control.

(1) Where animals referred to in regulation 5(1) are to be slaughtered or

killed for purposes of disease control, this shall be carried out in accordance

with Schedule E.

(2) Animals farmed for their fur shall be killed in accordance with Schedule

F.

(3) Surplus day-old chicks, as defined in article 2(3) of European Union

Council Directive 90/539/EEC, and embryos in hatchery waste shall be killed

as rapidly as possible in accordance with Schedule G.

Killing of animals for emergency reasons.

Regulations 9 and 10 shall not apply in the case of an animal, which has

to be killed immediately for emergency reasons.

Killing on the spot of injured or diseased animals.

Injured or diseased animals must be slaughtered or killed on the spot.

However, the Veterinary Services may authorise the transport of injured or

diseased animals for the purpose of slaughter or killing provided that such

transport does not entail further suffering for the animals.

CHAPTER IV

Final provisions

Procedure adopted in accordance with the European Commission and in

accordance to the procedure laid down under article 11 of the Animal Welfare

(1) If necessary, rules on the protection of animals at the time of slaughter

or killing other than those in these regulations shall be adopted according to

the procedure laid down in article 11(a) of the Animal Welfare Act, 2001, and

in accordance with the procedure of the European Council acting by a

qualified majority on a proposal from the European Commission.

B

(2) The Schedules to these regulations shall be amended by the same

procedure.

On-the-spot checks by veterinary experts.

Veterinary experts from the European Commission may make on-the-spot

checks in the territory of Malta. In order to do this, they may check a

representative sample of establishments to ensure that the Veterinary Services

are checking that the said establishments are fulfilling the requirements of

European Union Council Directive 93/119/EEC.Veterinary Services shall

give all the necessary assistance to the experts in carrying out their duties. In

particular, access on the same basis as officials of the competent authority

shall be given to all concerned persons, information and documentation as

well as access to places, establishments, installations and means of transport

in order for the checks to be carried out.

Health certificate accompanying meat.

To enable meat to be imported from a third country the health certificate

accompanying such meat must be supplemented by an attestation certifying

that in slaughterhouses or establishments which have been or are to be

approved in third countries for the purpose of being able to export to the

territory of Malta, the animals referred to in Article 5 have been slaughtered

under conditions which offer guarantees of humane treatment at least

equivalent to those provided for in these regulations.

Penalty for non-fulfilment of obligations.

(1) Subject to the provisions of these regulations and of the Animal

Welfare Act, 2001, a person who infringes any of the provisions arising from

these regulations, shall, on conviction, be liable to a fine (multa) of not less

than five thousand Malta Liri and not more than fifteen thousand Malta Liri.

(2) Without prejudice to the provisions of sub-regulation (1) of this regulation,

the Court may also order any person who is found guilty of committing an

offence under these regulations, to pay for the expenses incurred by the

Veterinary Services as a result of the said offence, the revocation of the permit

issued under these regulations and the confiscation, retention and disposal of

the corpus delicti.

B

Animals which cannot be Killed for Food Consumption.

No animal which is not kept or bred for agricultural purposes may be

killed for food consumption without the authorisation of the Malta Veterinary

Services

B