Farm Animals

Livestock Slaughter Welfare Global

Slaughter welfare standards vary dramatically around the world, with many countries lacking any requirements for pre-slaughter stunning.

Key Facts

Pre-slaughter stunning is legally required in the EU but with religious exemptions
Many low and middle income countries have no pre-slaughter stunning requirements
Religious slaughter without stunning causes prolonged consciousness and suffering according to most scientific assessments
Reversible stunning methods can be used for religious slaughter addressing both welfare and religious requirements

Welfare Considerations

The absence of pre-slaughter stunning requirements in many countries means billions of animals die each year by being fully conscious while their throats are cut. This represents one of the largest preventable welfare failures globally. International welfare standards, reversible stunning technology for religious slaughter, and consumer choice can all contribute to reducing this enormous source of animal suffering.

What You Can Do

Support international animal welfare standards including slaughter requirements
Advocate for reversible stunning as an acceptable approach for religious slaughter
Choose certified humane products that include slaughter welfare standards
Support organizations working on slaughter welfare improvement globally