Farmed Poultry Stunning: Gas and Electrical Systems

Pre-slaughter stunning of poultry is required in many countries but methods vary widely in their welfare outcomes, with high-concentration gas stunning considered the gold standard.

Key Facts

Approximately 70 billion chickens are slaughtered globally each year
Waterbath stunning - the most common method - requires live shackling that causes pain and fear
High-concentration CO2 gas stunning causes distress before loss of consciousness
Low-atmospheric-pressure stunning or nitrogen gas achieves unconsciousness with less aversion
Multi-phase gas stunning using inert gases is considered the most welfare-positive commercial method
Religious slaughter without stunning remains legally permitted in many countries

Welfare Considerations

Poultry slaughter welfare has significant room for improvement even in countries with mandatory pre-slaughter stunning requirements. Waterbath systems require shackling conscious birds upside down before any stunning occurs - a highly aversive procedure. CO2 gas chambers cause visible distress as birds experience the aversive effects before losing consciousness. Multi-phase controlled atmosphere stunning using inert gas mixtures avoids conscious aversive effects and is considered the most humane commercially available option.

What You Can Do

Choose poultry from producers certified for controlled atmosphere stunning with inert gas
Support regulatory requirements for controlled atmosphere stunning to replace waterbath systems
Reduce poultry consumption where possible given the scale of animals affected
Donate to animal welfare organizations working on poultry slaughter reform campaigns