Welfare issues in carp farming across Central and Eastern Europe, including winter pond management, slaughter methods, and live transport practices.
Carp welfare has long been neglected partly because their physiological resilience — ability to survive in low oxygen and out of water — has been misinterpreted as evidence of low sentience or minimal suffering. Fish welfare science has shifted this view considerably. Carp show stress responses, avoidance learning, and pain-related behaviour consistent with meaningful suffering. The Christmas carp tradition in Central Europe represents a particular welfare concern — live fish transported in buckets and killed at home without stunning. Better slaughter practices are available and should become standard.