The welfare of animals at slaughter is determined by stunning effectiveness, handling throughout the process, and the competence of staff, with significant variation in standards globally.
The moments before and during slaughter are among the highest-risk welfare points in the entire farming system. Poor stunning can leave animals conscious during killing, causing extreme suffering. Handling stress from rough driving, falls, and excessive use of electric goads causes fear and pain. Training, equipment maintenance, and independent monitoring are all critical. CCTV in UK slaughterhouses has improved accountability, and animal welfare NGOs monitor footage for violations.