The final stages of life for farm animals have major welfare implications. Evidence-based stunning and slaughter practices minimize suffering during this critical period.
The welfare of farm animals at slaughter depends entirely on correct stunning procedure and trained implementation. Failures in stunning cause animals to regain consciousness or experience pain during killing. Regular training and competency assessment of slaughterhouse workers, equipment maintenance and CCTV oversight are the primary welfare safeguards at this stage of production. Consumers can support better slaughter welfare through certified schemes.