The slaughter method for farmed deer has major welfare implications, with on-farm rifle shooting generally considered less stressful than transport to abattoir.
The welfare case for on-farm shooting of deer for slaughter is strong when compared to the transport and abattoir experience for a highly flighty prey species. A deer shot in its familiar paddock, without prior stress, experiences a rapid, predictable death. Transport and abattoir processing involve loading stress, unfamiliar smells and sounds, contact with other frightened animals, and handling by strangers — all causing significant fear and stress before slaughter. Regulatory frameworks that permit and incentivise on-farm slaughter for deer represent a meaningful welfare improvement over mandatory abattoir requirements.