CCTV recording is set become law in abattoirs in England.
The move could herald an end to activists illegally filming in order to expose alleged cruelty.
The UK’s Environment Secretary Michael Gove took the decision after backing from the public.
Filming will become a legal requirement in all areas where live animals are present.
Vets from the UK’s Food Standards Agency will be given unrestricted access to the footage.
The move, set to start in 2018, comes following many cases of activists trespassing in order to film footage of animals.
Many gained illegal access to get the footage and often it lead to misleading and unproven claims of cruelty.
The primary aim is to reassure consumers that animal welfare standards are being met.
Slaughterhouses which fail to comply face being shut down or even referred to the police.
Mr Gove said: “We have some of the highest animal welfare standards in the world and want to cement our status as a global leader by continuing to raise the bar.
The reaction to this consultation highlights the strength of feeling among the public that all animals should be treated with the utmost respect at all stages of life.”
More than 99 per cent of the 4,000 respondents to the August consultation supported the plans.
Gudrun Ravetz, of the British Veterinary Association, said: “We have been campaigning for these measures and it is reassuring to see such a high level of support for their implementation from industry and the public.”
Heather Hancock of the Food Standards Agency added: “We look forward to working with the industry as CCTV plans are implemented.”
