Slaughter is the final welfare challenge for pigs. Carbon dioxide stunning, the most common method, causes severe distress. Evidence-based reform is advancing alternative approaches.
CO2 pig stunning is one of the most welfare-damaging standard practices in UK and EU slaughter systems. Pigs experience acute distress — they are aversively sensitive to CO2 — during the approximately 14 seconds before unconsciousness. The persistence of CO2 stunning reflects its commercial convenience rather than its welfare performance. LAPS and inert gas alternatives are demonstrated, commercially viable, and cause unconsciousness without aversive distress. The welfare improvement from transitioning to alternative stunning is significant and achievable without major capital investment. Consumer and retail pressure on abattoir operators and food companies to switch to non-aversive stunning methods is the most direct advocacy lever currently available.