In Belgium, slaughterhouses have been allowed to use a mobile slaughter unit covered by their approval since 2021. In the Netherlands, this is still very difficult. Since 2022, slaughterhouses in the Netherlands are only allowed to use a killing unit for cattle (maximum 3). Slaughtering must then be done at the slaughterhouse. Why it is possible in Belgium and not in the Netherlands is still not clear. After all, the same EU rules apply. In the Netherlands, slaughterhouses suffer greatly from additional government interference. The relationship with food safety or animal welfare is not always clear.
Also in Belgium, there is a maximum of 3 cattle or 3 horses, or 6 pigs or 9 sheep or goats that may not only be killed but also slaughtered in the slaughter unit. Furthermore, the unit must be on paved ground and the blood must no longer be used for human consumption. Stomachs and intestines go into lockable containers. Waste water should be collected in a vessel and there should be refrigeration to cool the carcasses if the time between slaughter and transport to the slaughterhouse exceeds 2 hours.
The mobile slaughter unit can also be used for emergency slaughter and game slaughter. The description of these rules can be found in the FASFC's updated circular.
Source: Circular on the slaughter of domestic ungulates on farms as domestic animals.
