Farm Animal Welfare

Pig Welfare at Slaughter CO2 Stunning

CO2 stunning for pigs is the most widely used slaughter method in the UK but causes aversion and distress before loss of consciousness.

Key Facts

Pigs show clear distress responses when CO2 concentration exceeds 20%
The aversive experience typically lasts 15-30 seconds before unconsciousness
European Food Safety Authority has highlighted CO2 stunning as a welfare concern
High argon concentration stunning causes unconsciousness with less aversion
Industry resistance to change centres on cost and throughput rather than welfare

Welfare Considerations

CO2 stunning causes documented suffering before unconsciousness. The welfare case for developing and adopting less aversive alternatives is clear. Inert gas mixtures using high argon or nitrogen concentrations achieve unconsciousness without the aversive effects of CO2.

What You Can Do

Support campaigns calling for phase-out of high-CO2 pig stunning on welfare grounds
Ask pork producers and retailers about their pig slaughter welfare standards
Advocate for investment in inert gas stunning research and commercial adoption