Pre-slaughter handling represents a critical welfare pinch-point where the cumulative stresses of transport, lairage, driving, and stunning converge. Research demonstrates that pre-slaughter stress - measured through blood lactate, cortisol, and bruising assessment - is highest in the final 2 hours before slaughter. Lairage management significantly affects welfare outcomes: appropriate resting time (minimum 12 hours for pigs, 2-4 hours for cattle), species-appropriate social grouping, adequate space, and minimal mixing of unfamiliar animals reduce stress. Driving to the stun box requires low-stress handling techniques using flight zone principles; electric goads should be a last resort. Stunning effectiveness is the paramount welfare outcome: captive bolt, electrical, and CO2 systems must achieve immediate insensibility. Third-party welfare auditing at slaughterhouses using the Animal Welfare Indicators (AWIN) protocol identifies systemic failures. CCTV requirements in EU slaughterhouses improve accountability and welfare outcomes.