Farm Animals

Pig Stress at Slaughter

Pre-slaughter stress in pigs causes significant welfare suffering; lairage management, handling, and stunning quality are critical factors.

Key Facts

Pre-slaughter stress affects meat quality as well as animal welfare
CO2 stunning causes a slow loss of consciousness associated with distress
High voltage electrical stunning produces rapid unconsciousness when applied correctly
Transport duration and lairage conditions significantly affect pre-slaughter welfare
Video surveillance at slaughter plants improves handling standard compliance

Welfare Considerations

The pre-slaughter period is one of the most acute welfare challenges in pig production, involving mixing of unfamiliar pigs, novel environments, handling, and stunning. CO2 stunning - used in most high-throughput plants - causes aversion responses consistent with distress during induction. Transitioning to higher-welfare stunning methods and improving handling protocols throughout the slaughter process would reduce suffering for billions of pigs annually.

What You Can Do

Support labelling that includes stunning method information
Advocate for phase-out of CO2 stunning in pig slaughter
Choose pork from producers committed to higher-welfare slaughter methods
Support organisations monitoring slaughter welfare compliance
Reduce pork consumption from conventional systems using CO2 stunning