Acts Online
GT Shield

Meat Safety Act, 2000 (Act No. 40 of 2000)

Red Meat Regulations, 2004

Part II : Requirements for the Registration of Red Meat Abattoirs [Section 11(1)(A)]

B : Structural requirements

2. Additional requirements for low and high throughput red meat abattoirs

20. Lairages and holding pens

 

 

[See also regulations 67; 68]

 

Lairages and holding pens -

a) may not be closer than six meters from, and not be situated higher than the abattoir;
b) must be constructed of cleanable, non-absorbent and durable material;
c) must be so constructed and maintained to avoid injury of animals;
d) must have sides not less than 1.8m in height for cattle and horses and one meter for sheep, goats and pigs;
e) must have permanent floors that are curbed and drained;
f) must be so constructed to render the floors and drain covers non-slippery;
g) must be fitted with gates which are a minimum of 800mm wide for sheep, goats, calves and pigs and 1800mm for cattle and horses;
h) must be roofed where pigs and sheep or goats are kept;
i) must be equipped with cold water sprayers for pigs;
j) must be fitted with water troughs at a height of 900mm for cattle and horses and 300mm for sheep, goats or pigs or water nipples for pigs;
k) must have well drained manure slabs for kraal manure prior to removal except if manure is removed directly into a vehicle;
l) must be provided with wash points, hoses and reels; and
m) used to isolate suspect animals must in addition to above have solid walls and gate and must not drain across other pens or pose any other contamination risk.