Closed-circuit television (CCTV) recording will become mandatory in all slaughterhouses in England next year, Britain’s Environment Secretary Michael Gove confirmed Nov. 12.

Great Britain’s Department for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs (Defra) will take the plans forward following an extremely positive reaction from the industry, welfare groups, and the public.

In August, the IK’s Secretary of State launched a consultation on the plans to deliver a manifesto commitment for CCTV to be required in every slaughterhouse in England in all areas where live animals—including horses, ponies, and other equids—are present, with unrestricted access to footage for official veterinarians with the goal of reassuring consumers that high welfare standards are being effectively enforced.

“We applaud the government for this welcome advance for horse welfare, as accountability and transparency are essential if the slaughterhouse is to remain an option for horse owners who cannot afford the high price of euthanasia,” said Roly Owers, MRCVS, chief executive of World Horse Welfare, an equine welfare charity in the UK