25-28 June 2013 in Istanbul, Turkey saw over 35 representatives of the meat industry and government officials getting together for a training course on animal welfare during slaughter. The course was very well received and the participants enthusiastic.

During the first two days, the animal welfare officer training course was delivered by Paul Whittington of the Animal Welfare Training consultancy. It covered all stages of the primary production process, offloading, procedures in the lairage, stockmanship and restraint, stunning, killing, and slaughter.

Days 3 and 4 were delivered by Professor Haluk Anil, who prepared participants for abattoir welfare assessments. Following a practical visit to an abattoir, they wrote reports and presented their assessments to the group.

The course is certified and endorsed by the state veterinary service and was organised by the RSPCA in collaboration with the Istanbul Veterinary Association.

Professor Tahsin Yesildert said, “this course is very useful and an important step to introduce the new requirements under EU legislation on the slaughter of animals to the Turkish meat industry.”