Certificate of Competence – Guidance & Forms (Scotland)

New EU legislation came into force on 1 January 2013. It introduced Certificates of Competence replacing slaughterman’ licences issued under the Welfare of Animals (Slaughter or killing) Regulations 1995 (WASK). Implementing Scottish Domestic legislation also came into force on 1 January 2013.

Within the new legislation are transitional provisions that give grandfather rights to holders of existing licences issued under WASK and to animal handlers and free-bullet shooters who can demonstrate three years’ experience prior to 1 January 2013.

The guidance:

• is designed to assist individuals with their applications for Certificates of Competence in Animal Welfare, which are required for their duties in approved premises.
• is based on the requirements of The Welfare of Animals at the Time of Killing (Scotland) Regulations 2012 (as amended).
• contains information on how to apply for a Temporary Certificate of Competence, a Certificate of Competence and how to convert a licence issued under WASK to a Certificate of Competence.

This page also includes the full and temporary certificate application forms.