Farm Animal Welfare

Pig Welfare at the Slaughterhouse

The final hours and minutes of a pig's life at slaughter are among the highest welfare risk events in the production cycle.

Key Facts

Lairage conditions including mixing, noise, and temperature affect pigs awaiting slaughter
CO2 stunning causes aversion and distress as pigs lose consciousness in high concentration gas
Waterbath electrical stunning of conscious, upright pigs causes significant fear from shackling
Religious slaughter without pre-stunning raises welfare concerns across advocacy communities
CCTV monitoring at all stages of slaughter improves handler accountability significantly

Welfare Considerations

The welfare of pigs at slaughter deserves the same attention as their welfare during production. Effective stunning, humane handling, reduced lairage stress, and comprehensive monitoring are the minimum standards for a welfare-conscious slaughter system.

What You Can Do

Support abattoirs with demonstrated stunning efficacy and welfare monitoring
Advocate for mandatory CCTV in all pig slaughter facilities
Choose pork from supply chains with transparent slaughter welfare auditing