Regulatory Decree No. 10/2020 establishing procedures and conditions for slaughtering domestic animals.

This Regulatory Decree, consisting of 51 articles, divided into five Chapters and three Annexes, under articles 13 and 18 of Law No. 30/VIII/2013 of 13 May, defines the technical procedures and conditions for slaughtering domestic animals within the national territory. In particular, it establishes the rules concerning the welfare of animals during slaughter, as well as the rules for the control and eradication of certain epizootic diseases. It applies to all animal producers, traders and explorers who intend to slaughter domestic animals. In addition, it prohibits the slaughter of bovine, ovine and caprine animals aged twelve months or more outside authorized establishments. Slaughter, for self-consumption, of cattle, sheep and goats under the age of twelve months, and pigs, poultry and domestic rabbits is authorized, provided that the meat obtained is intended exclusively for the domestic consumption of the producer and respective household, and the conditions laid down for this purpose are respected. The competent authorities may authorize special situations of animal slaughter, organized by public or private entities, provided that the meat is intended to be consumed in occasional events, gastronomic or cultural exhibitions, respecting the established conditions.