Farm Animals

Pig Slaughter Welfare Improvement

Pig slaughter welfare is determined by lairage conditions, stunning efficacy, and post-stun handling, with significant variation between slaughterhouses in welfare outcomes.

Key Facts

Electrical stunning of pigs requires sufficient amperage and frequency to cause immediate unconsciousness
Under-stunning allows pigs to regain consciousness before bleeding is complete
Controlled atmosphere stunning with high CO2 causes aversion before unconsciousness
Low atmospheric pressure stunning offers improved welfare profile but is not commercially established
CCTV in all slaughterhouses was made mandatory in England in 2018 improving monitoring

Welfare Considerations

Slaughter welfare is the final welfare event of a pig's life and deserves serious attention. Stunning efficacy determines whether death is instantaneous or preceded by pain and distress.

What You Can Do

Support mandatory CCTV at slaughter and robust enforcement of welfare regulations
Advocate for improved stunning methods with better welfare profiles
Raise awareness of slaughter welfare as a food system issue
Support research into stunning alternatives with improved welfare outcomes