The slaughter of cattle for private consumption by the owner
(for Scotland)
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Whether or not an owner is permitted to kill cattle for private consumption depends on the cattle's date of birth, whether it has a cattle passport and whether the slaughter takes place outside or inside a licensed slaughterhouse. There are certain restrictions on what animals can be slaughtered on the farm. Cattle born before 1 August 1996 may not be slaughtered for human consumption. If born after that date the cattle can be slaughtered on a farm or in a slaughterhouse, but if the cattle are over 48 months they may only go to a slaughterhouse is licensed that is licensed for that activity.
Cattle that have been refused passports can only be moved off a farm alive and taken to a knacker’s yard or hunt kennel if they have an appropriate licence. If an animal is to be slaughtered outside a licensed slaughterhouse (such as on a farm), the owner must observe various requirements.
