Pig Slaughter Welfare and Stunning

Pig slaughter welfare depends critically on pre-stun handling and the effectiveness of stunning methods, with significant variation between facilities and systems in outcomes for individual animals.

Key Facts

CO2 stunning is the most widely used commercial pig stunning method despite evidence that it is aversive
High CO2 concentrations cause a period of excitation and distress before unconsciousness
Non-aversive gas mixtures including argon and nitrogen inert gas stunning are more welfare-positive alternatives
Electrical stunning is effective when properly applied but requires careful equipment maintenance
Pre-stun handling stress compounds the welfare impact of aversive stunning methods

Welfare Considerations

Pig slaughter welfare involves both the stunning method and the pre-stun environment, with CO2 stunning representing a significant welfare compromise that the industry has been slow to address. The aversive excitation phase of CO2 stunning causes measurable distress in millions of pigs annually. Inert gas stunning systems achieve unconsciousness without the aversive excitation phase and represent the welfare-optimal alternative. Consumer and retailer pressure for higher welfare slaughter standards is beginning to accelerate adoption.

What You Can Do

Choose pork from producers certified under standards requiring non-aversive stunning methods
Advocate for phased replacement of CO2 stunning with inert gas alternatives in regulation
Support organizations researching and promoting welfare-optimal pig slaughter methods
Ask pork producers about their stunning method and pre-stun handling welfare standards