Religious slaughter without prior stunning - permitted under exemptions in many countries - is the subject of ongoing welfare debate informed by scientific evidence on consciousness during neck cutting.
The welfare concern with slaughter without stunning is the period between neck cutting and loss of consciousness. Scientific evidence on the duration of consciousness after neck cutting in cattle, sheep, and poultry varies and is disputed. Where this period is prolonged, animals may experience pain from the wound. The welfare debate requires engaging with both scientific evidence and religious rights, where authorities in many countries have decided that exemptions should continue. Post-cut stunning where accepted represents a meaningful welfare improvement.