Humane Slaughter Methods and Welfare

The method used to kill farm animals at slaughter has a major impact on the suffering experienced. Evidence-based best practice involves effective stunning before killing.

Key Facts

EU and UK law requires effective stunning before slaughter for most species
Controlled atmosphere stunning using CO2 for pigs is aversive in the high-concentration phase
Captive bolt stunning is effective for cattle but poor application causes failed stunning
Pre-slaughter electric stunning for poultry can be replaced by controlled atmosphere killing
Religious slaughter without pre-stunning (shechita and halal without stunning) remains permitted in the UK

Welfare Considerations

Effective slaughter requires rendering the animal unconscious before killing. Inadequate stunning causes animals to regain consciousness during or after bleeding. CO2 stunning of pigs causes distress during induction before unconsciousness is achieved. High voltage electrical stunning for poultry can cause wing injuries. Captive bolt stunning of cattle requires precise placement and maintenance. Pre-slaughter welfare - lairage conditions, handling, and stunning quality - is monitored through CCTV and official veterinary inspection at slaughterhouses.

What You Can Do

Support mandatory CCTV in all slaughterhouses and access to results by welfare organisations
Advocate for research into less aversive CO2 alternatives for pig stunning
Choose meat from supply chains with documented stunning quality monitoring
Back campaigns for pre-stunning to apply to all religious slaughter
Support improvements in slaughterhouse inspector training and enforcement