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This version of this statute is extracted from the UK Statute Law Database (SLD). It is not necessarily in the form in which it was originally enacted but is a revised version, which means that any subsequent amendments to the text and other effects are incorporated with annotations.
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1. Power of local authorities to provide public slaughterhouses
2. Acquisition of land for purposes relating to slaughterhouses
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7. Further provisions in relation to registration in respect of slaughterhouses and to licensing of knackers’ yards
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9. Securing humane conditions in slaughterhouses and knackers’ yards
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An Act to consolidate certain enactments relating to slaughterhouses, knackers’ yards and the slaughter of animals in Scotland.
[20th March 1980]
Subject to [F1section 3] of this Act, a local authority may provide and, if they think fit, operate a slaughterhouse and may dispose of any slaughterhouse belonging to them by feu, sale, lease or excambion; and any slaughterhouse so disposed of shall be deemed to be disposed of under Part VI of the M1Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973.
F1Words in s. 1 substituted (11.09.1996) by S.I. 1996/2235, art. 9(1)
M11973 c. 65.
(1)A local authority may be authorised by the Secretary of State to purchase compulsorily any land, whether situated within or outside its area, for the purpose of any of their functions under section 1, [F1or 3] of this Act.
(2)In relation to the compulsory purchase of land under this section, the M1Acquisition of Land (Authorisation Procedure) (Scotland) Act 1947 shall apply as if subsection (1) above had been in force immediately before the commencement of that Act.
F1Words in s. 2(1) substituted (11.09.1996) by S.I. 1996/2235, art. 9(2)
M11947 c. 42.
(1)A local authority by whom a slaughterhouse has been provided under section 1 of this Act or under any other enactment—
(a)may make charges in respect of the use of the slaughterhouse and in respect of any services provided by them in connection therewith; and
(b)may provide plant or apparatus for disposing of or treating waste matter or refuse, or processing by-products resulting from the slaughter of animals in such a slaughterhouse.
(2)In fixing or varying any such charges as aforesaid a local authority shall consult with such persons or organisations as appear to them to be representative of interests substantially affected by such charges.
(1)A person carrying on the business of slaughterman or knacker shall not use any premises as a knacker’s yard without a licence from the local authority; and if he does he shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding [F1level 1 on the standard scale] and the fact that animals (other than asses or mules) have been taken into unlicensed premises shall beprima facieevidence that an offence under this section has been committed.
(2)A licence under this section shall expire on such day in every year as the local authority fix and when a licence is first granted shall expire on the day so fixed which secondly occurs after the grant of the licence; and a fee not exceeding twenty-five pence may be charged for the licence or any renewal thereof.
(3)Not less than twenty-one days before a new licence for any premises is granted under this section, notice of the intention to apply for it shall be advertised as provided in section 32(2) of the M1Public Health (Scotland) Act 1897 by the local authority in whose area the premises are situated; and any person interested may show cause against the grant or renewal of the licence.
(4)An objection shall not be entertained to the renewal of a licence under this section unless seven days previous notice of the objection has been served on the applicant:
Provided that, on an objection being made of which notice has not been given, the local authority may, if they think it just to do so, direct notice thereof to be served on the applicant, adjourn the question of the renewal to a future date, require the attendance of the applicant on that day, then hear the case and consider the objection as if the said notice had been duly given.
(5)For the purposes of this section a licence shall be deemed to be renewed where a further licence is granted in immediate succession to a prior licence for the same premises.
(6)Where any person has been refused a renewal of a licence under this section, such person may appeal to the Secretary of State against such refusal; and the decision of the Secretary of State shall be final.
F1Words substituted by virtue of Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1975 (c. 21, SIF 39:1), s. 289G
M11897 c. 38.
(1)In relation to the use of any premises for or in connection with the slaughter of horses—
(a)a licence granted under section 6 of this Act;
F1(b). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
shall be of no effect unless expressly authorising the use of the premises for that purpose.
(2)Where any premises used or to be used for the confinement of animals awaiting slaughter in a F2. . . knacker’s yard are situated outside the curtilage of the premises used or to be used for the slaughter—
(a)separate licences may be granted under the said section 6; F2. . .
F1(b). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
authorising the use of those premises for those purposes respectively.
(3)A licence under the said section 6 shall not be granted in respect of any premises unless the local authority are satisfied that the requirements of any regulations in force F3. . . with respect to the construction, lay-out and equipment of premises are complied with or will be complied with before the date on which the licence or renewed licence comes into force in respect of those premises; but nothing in this subsection shall be taken as affecting so much of the said section 6 as confers a right of appeal on a person aggrieved by the refusal of a local authority to renew a licence under that section.
F1S. 7(1)(b)(2)(b) repealed (11.09.1996) by S.I. 1996/2235, art. 11, Sch
F2Words repealed in s. 7(2) (11.09.1996) by S.I. 1996/2235, art. 11, Sch
F3Words in s. 7(3) repealed (1.4.1995) by S.I. 1995/731, reg. 28(1), Sch. 13
(1)The Secretary of State may make such regulations as appear to him to be expedient for securing humane conditions and practices in connection with the slaughter of animals at slaughterhouses and knackers’ yards and for securing the proper management of such premises for those purposes; and such regulations may in particular prescribe—
(a)requirements as to the construction, lay-out and equipment of premises used as slaughterhouses or knackers’ yards;
(b)conditions to be observed in connection with the confinement and treatment of animals while awaiting slaughter in such premises, and in connection with the slaughter of animals therein.
(2)Regulations made under this section may make different provision in relation to different kinds of animals and in relation to premises used for different purposes in connection with the slaughter of animals and may, so far as they are made for the purposes mentioned in paragraph (a) of subsection (1) above, be made to apply subject to exceptions or modifications in relation to premises constructed or adapted for use before the date on which the regulations come into force.
(3)Regulations made under this section may prescribe penalties for offences against the regulations, not exceeding [F1a fine of level 3 on the standard scale or imprisonment for a term of six months or both], and may impose on the occupiers of premises to which the regulations apply responsibility for compliance with any of the provisions of the regulations.
[F2(4)Where a person convicted of an offence against regulations made under this section is—
F3(a). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
the holder of a licence granted under section 6,
of this Act, the court may, where such F4. . . licence relates to premises where the offence was committed, in addition to any other penalty cancel the F4. . . licence F4. . ..]
[ F5(4)Regulations under this section may require occupiers of premises used as slaughterhouses or knackers’ yards to secure that the provisions of regulations under this section are complied with on the premises.]
F1Words in s. 9(3) substituted (1.4.1995) by S.I. 1995/731, reg. 28(2), Sch. 14, para. 3(2)(a)
F2S. 9(4) added after subsection (3) (1.4.1995) by S.I. 1995/731, reg. 28(2), Sch. 14, para. 3(2)(b)
F3S. 9(4)(a) and the words "or (b)" repealed (11.9.1996) by S.I. 1996/2235, art. 11, Sch.
F4Words in s. 9(4) repealed (11.9.1996) by S.I. 1996/2235, art. 11, Sch.
F5S. 9(4) inserted (27.8.1991) by Welfare of Animals at Slaughter Act 1991 (c. 30, SIF 112), ss. 1, 7(2)
C1S. 9 power to transfer functions conferred (3.1.1995) by 1994 c. 40, s. 31, Sch. 9, paras. 3(1)(a), 4
F1S. 10 repealed (1.4.1995) by S.I. 1995/731, reg. 28(1), Sch. 13
C1S. 10 power to transfer functions conferred (3.1.1995) by 1994 c. 40, s. 31, Sch. 9, paras. 3(1)(b), 4
(1)F1. . .an empowered officer shall have a right to enter any slaughterhouse or knackers’ yard, at any time when business is or appears to be in progress or is usually carried on therein, for the purpose of ascertaining whether there is or has been any contravention of F2. . . any regulations made under section 9 of, F2. . .this Act.
(2)Any person who refuses to permit an empowered officer to enter any premises which the officer is entitled to enter under subsection (1) above or who obstructs or impedes the officer in the exercise of the officer’s duties under that subsection, shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding [F3level 1 on the standard scale].
(3)In subsections (1) and (2) above, “empowered officer” means—
(a)any constable;
(b)any officer of the Secretary of State;
(c)any person authorised in writing, or appointed as a veterinary surgeon, by the local authority within whose area the slaughterhouse or knacker’s yard is situated.
(4)The local authority shall have a right to enter any knacker’s yard at any hour between nine o’clock in the morning and six o’clock in the evening, or at any hour when business is in progress or is usually carried on therein, for the purpose of examining whether there is any contravention of—
(i)section 6 of this Act;
(ii)the M1Public Health (Scotland) Act 1897; or
(iii)any byelaw made under that Act.
F1Words in s. 14(1) repealed (11.9.1996) by S.I. 1996/2235, arts. 9(3), 11, Sch.
F2Words in s. 14(1) repealed (1.4.1995) by S.I. 1995/731, reg. 28(1), Sch. 13
F3Words substituted by virtue of Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1975 (c. 21, SIF 39:1), ss. 289F, 289G
C1S. 14 power to transfer functions conferred (3.1.1995) by 1994 c. 40, s. 31, Sch. 9, paras. 3(1)(c), 4
M11897 c. 38.
F1S. 15 repealed (1.4.1995) by 1995/731, reg. 28(1), Sch. 13
C1S. 15 power to tranfer functions conferred (3.1.1995) by 1994 c. 40, s. 31, Sch. 9, paras. 3(1)(d), 4
F1S. 16 repealed (1.4.1995) by S.I. 1995/731, reg. 28(1), Sch. 13
C1S. 16 power to transfer of functions conferred (3.1.1995) by 1994 c. 40, s. 31, Sch. 9, paras. 3(1)(e), 4
Any local authority who have provided or established a slaughterhouse may, if they think fit, employ persons to slaughter or stun animals F1. . . and may make such charges as they consider reasonable for the services of the persons so employed.
F1Words in s. 17 repealed (1.4.1995) by S.I. 1995/731, reg. 28(1), Sch. 13
(1)It shall be the duty of every local authority to execute and enforce within their area the provisions of—[F1sections 7 and 14, and any regulations made under section 9],of this Act; but this subsection shall not be construed as authorising a local authority to institute proceedings for any offence.
[ F2(1A)In particular, every local authority shall, for the purpose of securing the execution of the provisions mentioned in subsection (1) above (other than section 7), make arrangements for the supervision by persons having such qualifications as may be prescribed by regulations under section 9 of this Act of any premises in their area to which regulations under that section apply.
(1B)Arrangements under subsection (1A) above shall comply with such directions as the Secretary of State may give from time to time.]
(2)For the purposes of any regulations made under [F3section 16 of the Food Safety Act 1990] (regulations as to food hygiene) in respect of any premises to which the provisions mentioned in subsection (1)(i) above apply, the provisions of [F3section 32 of the said Act of 1990] (power to enter premises) shall apply in relation to an authorised officer of the Secretary of State as they apply in relation to an authorised officer of the local authority who are empowered to enforce those regulations so far as they apply to such premises.
F1Words in s. 19(1), substituted (1.4.1995) by S.I. 1995/731, reg. 28(2), Sch. 14, para. 3(3)
F2S. 19(1A)(1B) inserted (27.8.1991) by Welfare of Animals at Slaughter Act 1991 (c. 30, SIF 112), ss. 4(2), 7(2)
F3Words substituted by Food Safety Act 1990 (c. 16, SIF 53:1, 2), s. 59(1), Sch. 3 para. 23
C1S. 19 power to transfer functions conferred (3.1.1995) 1994 c. 40, s. 31, Sch. 9, paras. 3(1)(f), 4
(1)The Secretary of State may from time to time, after consultation with such organisations as appear to him to represent the interests concerned—
(a)prepare and issue codes of practice for the purpose of providing practical guidance in respect of any provision of—
(i)[F2sections 9][F3 and 14]of this Act; or
(ii)regulations made under [F3section 9 of this Act]; and
(b)revise any such code by revoking, varying, amending or adding to the provisions of the code.
(2)A code prepared in pursuance of this section and any alterations proposed to be made on a revision of such a code shall be laid before [F4the Scottish Parliament], and the Secretary of State shall not issue the code or revised code, as the case may be, until after the end of the period of 40 days beginning with the day on which the code or the proposed alterations were so laid.
(3)If, within the period mentioned in subsection (2) above, [F4the Scottish Parliament] resolves that the code be not issued or the proposed alterations be not made, the Secretary of State shall not issue the code or revised code (without prejudice to his power under that subsection to lay further codes or proposed alterations before [F4the Scottish Parliament]).
(4)For the purposes of subsection (2) above—
F5(a). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(b)in reckoning any period of 40 days, no account shall be taken of any time during which [F4the Scottish Parliament] is dissolved or [F6is in recess] for more than four days.
(5)The Secretary of State shall cause any code issued or revised under this section to be printed and distributed, and may make such arrangements as he thinks fit for its distribution, including causing copies of it to be put on sale to the public at such reasonable price as the Secretary of State may determine.
(6)A failure on the part of any person to follow any guidance contained in a code issued under this section shall not of itself render that person liable to proceedings of any kind.
(7)If, in proceedings against any person for an offence consisting of the contravention of any provision of—
(a)[F2sections 9][F7 and 14] of this Act; or
(b)regulations made under [F7section 9 of this Act];
it is shown that, at any material time, he failed to follow any guidance contained in a code issued under this section, being guidance which was relevant to the provision concerned, that failure may be relied on by the prosecution as tending to establish his guilt.]
F1S. 19A inserted (27.8.1991) by Welfare of Animals at Slaughter Act 1991 (c. 30, SIF 112), ss. 5(2), 7(2)
F2Words in s. 19A(1)(a)(i) and (7)(a) substituted (11.9.1996) by S.I. 1996/2235, art. 9(4)
F3Words in s. 19A(1) substituted (1.4.1995) by S.I. 1995/731, reg. 28(2), Sch. 14, para. 3(4)(a)
F4Words in s. 19A(2)(3)(4) substituted (1.7.1999) by S.I. 1999/1820, arts. 1, 4, Sch. 2, Pt. I para. 62(a)
F5S. 19A(4)(a) repealed (1.7.1999) by S.I. 1999/1820, arts. 1, 4, Sch. 2 Pt. I para. 62(b) Pt. IV
F6Words in s. 19A(4)(b) substituted (1.7.1999) by S.I. 1999/1820, arts. 1, 4, Sch. 2 Pt. I para. 62(c)
F7Words in s. 19A(7) substituted (1.4.1995) by S.I. 1995/731, reg. 28(2), Sch. 14, para. 3(4)(b)
Slaughter of Animals (Scotland) Act 1980