Call for Legal Protections for Farmed Salmon in Scotland

Today, nine animal protection organizations have expressed their concerns to the Scottish Government regarding its recently issued guidance on the slaughter of farmed salmon. While they welcome the guidance as a necessary step forward, the groups argue that it does not provide the urgent legal protections needed to prevent animal suffering on Scottish fish farms.

The Context: Salmon Farming in Scotland

Each year, an estimated 55 million salmon are raised in Scotland. Unlike land animals, which benefit from clear, enforceable legal frameworks regarding their treatment at slaughter, no distinct laws exist for fish. This gap persists despite scientific evidence affirming that fish experience pain and fear.

The Limitations of Current Guidance

The newly released guidance outlines treatment protocols for salmon during slaughter; however, it lacks legal binding force and penalties for any violations. Campaigners are alarmed that without enforceable regulations, countless fish remain susceptible to unnecessary suffering during slaughter.

Expert Opinions on Legislative Needs

Georgie Hancock, Public Affairs Lead at The Humane League UK, stated: “Although this guidance marks a commendable and overdue advancement, it fails to meet the vital needs of sentient fish that are being killed without sufficient legal protections. It is alarming that it is merely discouraged—not illegal—to disregard humane treatment during slaughter.”

The call for improved legislation resonates within the salmon industry itself. During a Scottish parliamentary reception in January, Ronnie Soutar, Head of Veterinary Services at Scottish Sea Farms, remarked, “There is clear recognition within the sector that fish are sentient […] legislation in this area would be welcomed.”

Recommendations and Investigations

The Scottish government’s animal welfare commission has previously recommended the creation of specific legislation for the welfare of farmed finfish during slaughter. This recommendation aligns with ongoing guidance from the Animal Welfare Committee (AWC), which advocates for mandatory stunning requirements and the installation of CCTV in fish slaughterhouses.

Documented Cases of Suffering

Undercover investigations have revealed alarming treatment of farmed salmon at slaughter. Reports from various years detail salmon being cut while conscious and smaller fish showing signs of consciousness after undergoing stunning procedures. Such investigations highlight a pressing need for legal oversight to prevent such distressing occurrences.

The Push for Comprehensive Legislation

Lorraine Platt, Conservative Animal Welfare Foundation: “While the release of official guidance is a first step, it must swiftly be followed by robust, species-specific legislation. Farmed fish need equal legal protections that are clear, enforceable, and accompanied by penalties for any breaches.”

Mark Glover, Labour Animal Welfare Society: “This long-awaited guidance is welcomed, but guidelines alone are insufficient. Without legal enforcement, millions of farmed fish remain vulnerable to suffering. The Scottish Government should ensure these protections become law.”

Elena Edwards, Animal Concern: “The new guidance, if not universally adhered to, is effectively meaningless. We require legislation that ensures accountability and comprehensive care, benefiting not only the fish but also the producers.”

Abigail Penny, Animal Equality UK: “Our investigations have uncovered shocking abuses against fish in slaughter processes. The government must introduce strong, binding legislation that guarantees fish welfare at the time of slaughter.”

Collective Action for Change

The letter advocating for enhanced legal protections is signed by prominent organizations including:

• Animal Concern
• Animal Equality
• Compassion in World Farming UK
• Conservative Animal Welfare Foundation
• The Humane League UK
• Labour Animal Welfare Society
• OneKind
• RSPCA
• Scottish SPCA

This coalition is urging Mairi Gougeon MSP to leverage the release of this groundbreaking guidance as a stepping stone toward instating robust legislative frameworks. The time is ripe for Scotland to make a commitment to protecting the welfare of farmed salmon and ensure humane treatment practices across the board.