How slaughterhouse design affects animal welfare during the final phase of their lives.
Slaughterhouse design and management determine the welfare experience of the final hours of farm animals' lives — a period that has historically received inadequate welfare attention. The innovations pioneered by Temple Grandin and others demonstrate that animal behavior can be used to design facilities that dramatically reduce fear and distress during pre-slaughter handling. Curved races, solid sides, non-slip flooring, appropriate lighting, and the elimination of distractions all reduce flight responses and minimize the need for aversive handling. Stunning efficacy is the critical welfare moment: effective stunning prevents conscious experience of slaughter, while inadequate stunning creates severe welfare harm. CCTV monitoring has demonstrated its effectiveness in improving compliance with welfare standards by creating accountability.