Slaughter line speed directly impacts the effectiveness of stunning and the welfare of pigs in their final moments. Evidence shows that excessive speed compromises animal welfare outcomes.
The welfare of pigs during slaughter depends critically on the effectiveness of stunning, and stunning effectiveness is directly compromised by excessive line speeds. When line speed exceeds the capacity of stunning operators to apply stunning correctly to every animal, some pigs move to killing without being properly unconscious. These animals may experience full awareness of what is happening to them. CO2 stunning, the most common method, causes a period of aversion and distress before unconsciousness in any case - pigs exposed to CO2 show clear behavioral indicators of distress. The welfare case for reduced line speeds, better stunning technology, and rigorous monitoring is compelling and supported by both animal welfare science and basic ethics.