As public concern for treatment of animals continues to grow with 9 out of 10 people are concerned about animal welfare in Australian farming^[1], the adoption of CCTV systems across animal agriculture offers a proactive, evidence-based approach to help improve standards of animal care, worker safety, and accountability across the animal agriculture industry.

CCTV systems provide continuous monitoring of farmed animals, enabling early detection of distress, illness, or mistreatment. This real-time oversight allows animal operation managers to intervene promptly, reducing animal suffering and improving overall health outcomes.

Of course, installing CCTV alone doesn't resolve the issues; effective implementation and continuous management are essential for success.

But CCTV can act as both a deterrent to poor animal handling practices, such as what was revealed most recently in shearing sheds in New Zealand, and a tool for training in ensuring staff are meeting regulated requirements or following codes of practice.

Importantly, the benefits of CCTV are maximised when implemented across the entire life cycle of the animal—from birth to slaughter. Continuous monitoring from rearing through transport, onloading and offloading and slaughter is vital if we are to protect animal welfare at every stage.    

This holistic approach may help identify systemic issues, supports consistent care, build accountability in the treatment of animals and, ideally, should help prevent mistreatment of animals.

The UK’s mandatory CCTV policy in slaughterhouses, introduced in 2018, has become a global benchmark. Similarly, in New Zealand, the Ministry for Primary Industries has supported the use of CCTV in abattoirs as part of its animal welfare assurance program. In both cases, the technology has improved compliance, reduced incidents of cruelty, and enhanced public confidence in the food system.