WATOK licence guidance: commonly asked questions

Following clarification from Defra and APHA on the interpretation of the Welfare at the Time of Killing (WATOK) regulations, and industry communications from Red Tractor, there have been several frequently asked questions from producers.

Red Tractor also recently put out communications to clarify answers to some of these questions, and we continue to work as an industry to ensure all producers understand what is required.

It is important to remember that a WATOK licence is needed for anyone who is expected to carry out euthanasia on farm, and that only in emergencies can a pig be euthanised by an individual who does not hold a licence. An emergency is considered to be an exceptional circumstance, where “an animal is injured or has a disease with severe pain or suffering where there is no other practical possibility to alleviate this pain or suffering.”

While this can sound like it covers a lot of potential issues on farm, please remember that APHA has stated that piglet euthanasia required as a result of being stepped/laid on, or being small or poor, is expected and therefore is not an emergency. There are many other examples which producers may see as an emergency but which are not, so please do not assume that you do not need a WATOK licence as you almost certainly will for most scenarios, and speak to your vet if unsure.

It is up to producers, in conjunction with their vet, to ensure there are enough WATOK licence holders on a unit to carry out euthanasia in a timely manner. Fields people can be part of this but cannot be solely relied upon due to geographic constrains to responding.

You can apply for your WATOK licence here and we have guidance on the application process here.

THINGS TO KNOW

Ahead of the assessment, APHA needs to have a conversation with the individual named in the application. This is part of the assessment and must be permitted.

• Applicants must be trained before their assessment – the assessment by an APHA vet is not a training exercise.
• All applicants must be able to directly respond to additional questions asked by the assessor.
• Groups can be assessed together, but the assessor will still expect individuals to answer further questions.
• Certificates of Competence (CoC) are allowed as an alternative to WATOK, though resource for testing is limited.
• Use of a free bullet firearms used “in the field”, i.e. indoor or outdoor units as long as outside of an abattoir, doesn’t require a WATOK licence.

We urge producers to work with their vet on this issue, and to take advantage of the veterinary attestation which is designed to prevent as many healthy pigs being euthanised as part of an assessment.