A second review of Mark IV slaughter boxes in two years by Australia’s Chief Veterinary Officer (ACVO) has found they provide a humane animal welfare tool when maintained and operated according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
The review found, however, that if boxes are not operated according to manufacturer instructions or do not have all the features of the original Mark IV box – as may occur if the boxes are copied or modified – then acceptable animal welfare outcomes may not be achieved.
The latest report represents the second time the ACVO has reviewed Mark IV boxes in two years. An earlier review of existing restraint boxes in August 2011 in the wake of the Indonesian cattle welfare controversy found that the Mark 1 boxes still in use at that time did not comply with minimum international welfare standards, but that Mark IV boxes were compliant.
Exporters will now be given 30 days to assess all Mark IV boxes in their supply chains against the 10 recommendations of the review (listed below with DAFF's response to each) to verify they are being used appropriately and have all necessary design features, and if required, rectify any deficiencies.
The Mark IV box, as described in the ACVO’s August 2011 review report, is designed to fit animals up to 450kg live weight.
Cattle enter the steel crush and stand on a raiseable floor.
The manual version of the crush then restrains the animal using a load binder strap system to lock it against a pivoting wall that is sloped slightly inwards. The hydraulically controlled version uses a purpose-built steel panel section that moves across from the opposite side to support the animal’s belly and lock the animal in place against the pivoting wall.
The floor then lifts by 250mm using hydraulic power (powered by hand in the manual version of the Mark IV box) to raise the centre of gravity of the animal, and the wall then pivots under hydraulic control to ensure smooth travel, bringing the animal to a horizontal position at approximately waist level of the slaughterman.
Once horizontal the head is restrained and slaughter can proceed.
The latest review was launched following concerns raised with Mark IV boxes during DAFF’s investigation in 2012 into animal welfare concerns at four abattoirs in Indonesia.
DAFF said it had accepted in principle all 10 recommendations made by Dr Schipp and has arrangements in place to address the issues found.
It said the effectiveness and correct use of Mark IV type boxes would continue to be verified under the Exporter Supply Chain Assurance System by independent auditors, and refinements have been made to the checklist to enhance the guidance provided to independent auditors specifically around the ACVO findings.
Recommendation 1
That these (industry provided) standing operating procedures be reviewed and amended to ensure consistent, humane slaughter of cattle through rapid and effective head restraint which allows for quick access to the throat of the animal.
DAFF response
Agree in Principle.
DAFF will encourage industry to review and amend where necessary current standard operating procedures.
Recommendation 2
All restraint boxes must use a neck restraint that minimises the risk of head slapping and associated self harm. That restraint may be mechanical or consist of a strap to be applied before the animal is moved into a laterally recumbent position.
DAFF response
Agree in Principle.
DAFF will require licensed livestock exporters to assess current Mark IV type boxes in ESCAS approved supply chains and. DAFF will require exporters to demonstrate that all boxes have a compliant neck restraint.
Recommendation 3
That restraining devices be routinely assessed, including during ESCAS audits, for absence of sharp edges and harmful protrusions.
DAFF response
Agree in Principle.
DAFF will require licensed livestock exporters to ensure Mark IV type boxes in ESCAS approved supply chains are routinely assessed for absence of sharp edges and harmful protrusions and that this is routinely assessed through audit verification.
Recommendation 4
That all restraint boxes reliant on hydraulic pressure must be fitted with operational pressure relief valves and sight gauges in view of the operator. Further, that operators of these restraint boxes must demonstrate their competency to use the equipment with specific attention to ensuring the cattle are not subject to excessive body restraint pressure.
DAFF response
Agree in Principle.
DAFF will require licensed livestock exporters to assess current Mark IV type boxes in ESCAS approved supply chains reliant on hydraulic pressure for scissor style restraint arms and neck restraint to ensure they are fitted with operational pressure relief valves and sight gauges in view of the operator, and that operator competency is routinely assessed through audit verification.
Recommendation 5
That operators of restraint boxes demonstrate access to and familiarity with the operating and maintenance instructions relevant to the equipment.
DAFF response
Agree in Principle.
DAFF will require licensed livestock exporters to ensure operators of Mark IV type boxes in ESCAS approved supply chains have access to and are familiar with the relevant operating and maintenance instructions and that this is routinely assessed through audit verification.
Recommendation 6
That restraint boxes reliant upon electrical power should only be acceptable within ESCAS supply chains in facilities with reliable supplies of electricity and that all operators demonstrate ESCAS consistent alternative arrangements in the event of power failure or insufficient power.
DAFF response
Agree in Principle.
DAFF will require licensed livestock exporters to ensure facilities with Mark IV type boxes in ESCAS approved supply chains have a reliable supply of electricity and ESCAS consistent alternative arrangements in the event of power failure or insufficient power, and that this is routinely assessed through audit verification.
Recommendation 7
All Mark IV type boxes in ESCAS approved supply chains should be audited and assessed and where necessary upgraded.
DAFF response
Agree in Principle.
DAFF will require licensed livestock exporters to ensure all Mark IV type boxes in ESCAS approved supply chains are compliant and are routinely assessed for ongoing compliance through audit verification.
Recommendation 8
All operators using restraint equipment be required to demonstrate their ability to use it in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications and OIE guidance.
DAFF response
Agree in Principle.
DAFF will require licensed livestock exporters to ensure operators of Mark IV type boxes are routinely assessed through audit verification.
Recommendation 9
That an investigation be conducted to determine why independent auditors are not recording the above defects when using the ESCAS checklist.
DAFF response
Agree in Principle.
DAFF will investigate why independent auditors did not record the defects identified during the review of the DVD footage.
Recommendation 10
That pre-slaughter stunning be used wherever possible and additional efforts be put into encouraging global uptake of pre-slaughter stunning.
DAFF response
Agree in Principle.