Reindeer slaughterer – clean quality According to the Animal Welfare Decree, “professional slaughter may be performed only by an experienced or trained person who is at least 18 years of age”. What other requirements are set for personnel working at reindeer slaughterhouses?
1. COMPETENCE ACCORDING TO THE REGULATION ON THE PROTECTION OF ANIMALS AT THE TIME OF KILLING According to the regulation, personnel carrying out certain slaughter operations shall have a certificate of competence demonstrating their ability to carry them out in accordance with the rules laid down in the regulation. At reindeer slaughterhouses, the certificate of competence is required of personnel who: • • • • • •
transfer reindeer to stunning hold on to reindeer during stunning stun hang or lift stunned reindeer bleed blood slaughter animals using particular methods of slaughter prescribed by religious rites
Acquiring competence to be eligible for the certificate of competence and demonstrating competence needed in slaughtering reindeer takes place via the Sami Education Institute. The certificates of competence are issued by the Regional State Administrative Agency. The certificates of competence are valid in all EU countries regardless of the country issuing them.
Slaughter of reindeer in Finland
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