Mandatory Video Surveillance in English and Swiss Slaughterhouses

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The Multispecies Collective Dialogue Series is our series of events that shines a spotlight on non-members’ research or practice toward multispecies flourishing. In this dialogue, Colette Schefer-Peisker provides insight into her dissertation research (examining the legal framework and practical challenges of animal welfare in Swiss slaughterhouses). It also provides insight on work conducted during her time as part of the Multispecies Collective Visiting Researcher Programme where she is investigating the role of mandatory video surveillance in slaughterhouses with regard to its usefulness in improving the implementation of animal welfare standards during slaughter. Both in Switzerland and in England, abuses in the handling of slaughter animals have been repeatedly uncovered. These cases have led to a discussion about the effectiveness of the enforcement measures taken to date. However, unlike England, Switzerland does not have mandatory video surveillance in slaughterhouses. In her research, I am investigating the experiences gained so far with mandatory video…