On-farm killing of sick, injured or surplus livestock must use humane methods to minimise suffering, with proper training and equipment essential for welfare-positive outcomes.
Humane on-farm killing prevents prolonged suffering in animals that are severely injured, terminally ill or otherwise require immediate dispatch. The alternative to humane on-farm killing is delayed suffering while waiting for veterinary or slaughter truck attendance, or inhumane methods used by inadequately trained personnel. Investment in farmer and stockperson training in humane dispatch techniques is a direct welfare improvement.