Pig Slaughter Welfare | Animal Welfare Hub

Welfare considerations at pig slaughter and how stunning methods affect the humaneness of killing.

Key Facts

Carbon dioxide stunning is the most common method used for pigs in large commercial slaughterhouses
Pigs show strong aversion responses to high-concentration CO2 before losing consciousness
Low-oxygen stunning using nitrogen is an aversive-free alternative being adopted in some facilities
Electrical stunning is also used and can be effective if correctly applied, but failures cause suffering
CCTV in pig slaughter facilities is associated with improved welfare compliance
Stunning failures in pig slaughter result in pigs regaining consciousness during bleeding

Welfare Considerations

Pig slaughter welfare is a significant issue affecting hundreds of millions of animals annually. Carbon dioxide stunning, despite its near-universal commercial use, causes significant suffering in pigs because they have strong aversive responses to CO2 before losing consciousness. Inert gas alternatives including high-concentration nitrogen eliminate this aversive phase but require capital investment in new systems. The welfare case for transitioning away from CO2 stunning is strong and supported by substantial scientific evidence. Consumer and regulatory pressure for the highest welfare slaughter standards is one of the most direct ways to drive industry investment in improved systems.

What You Can Do

Support pork producers and processors that have invested in nitrogen or argon high-concentration stunning
Advocate for regulatory phase-out of CO2 stunning in pig slaughter as welfare-superior alternatives become available
Engage with retailers about the stunning method requirements in their pork supply chains
Support mandatory CCTV requirements in all pig slaughter facilities
Raise awareness that CO2 stunning of pigs is a significant ongoing welfare concern in commercial production