The GRTU said today that proposed regulations on the slaughtering of rabbits would have a negative impact on the cottage industry.

The regulations, proposed by the Food Safety Commission, are aimed at units rearing 49 does or less.

Practices such as the slaughter of rabbits in one's shop would not be allowed unless the new food safety requirements are met.

The GRTU said, however, that the operators would not be able to sustain the costs involved.

The chamber argued that it did not see a requirement for this regulation under EU law.

"Going beyond the (EU) Directive means that other member states are not imposing such a burden and it is therefore unfair for these micro operators to carry a burden they cannot sustain, which their fellow operators in other member states do not face," the GRTU said.