Farm Animals

Farm Animal Welfare in Emergency Slaughter

Emergency on-farm slaughter performed when animals are too ill or injured to transport requires welfare-focused protocols.

Key Facts

Emergency slaughter should be considered when transport would cause unacceptable suffering
Trained operators and appropriate stunning equipment must be available on-farm
Delays in emergency killing cause unnecessary prolonged suffering
Record-keeping of emergency slaughter helps identify welfare problems in herds

Welfare Considerations

Animals left suffering because emergency slaughter capacity is unavailable or delayed experience preventable pain. Training farmers in welfare-focused emergency killing and ensuring equipment availability saves animals from prolonged suffering.

What You Can Do

Support farmer training programmes in emergency on-farm killing
Advocate for welfare audit inclusion of emergency slaughter capacity
Encourage veterinary guidance on when transport constitutes unacceptable welfare compromise