Farm Animal Welfare

Pig Welfare and Slaughter: Reform Progress

Assessing progress and remaining challenges in improving pig slaughter welfare globally.

Key Facts

CO2 stunning at high concentrations causes aversive responses in pigs before unconsciousness
Alternatives including very high CO2 concentrations (above 90%) and inert gas mixtures are being evaluated
Pre-slaughter handling including lairage management and driving technique significantly affect stress levels
UK law requires pigs to be immediately stunned before slaughter but enforcement quality varies

Welfare Considerations

Pig slaughter welfare has seen regulatory attention but limited practical improvement at scale. The fundamental welfare problem of CO2 stunning - pigs are conscious and distressed during the gas induction phase - remains widespread. Transition to more humane methods is the primary welfare challenge for the slaughter sector.

What You Can Do

Advocate for public inquiry into CO2 stunning alternatives and a phase-out timeline
Support retailers that require specific stunning method documentation from suppliers
Choose pork from producers committed to higher slaughter welfare standards with third-party verification