Farm Animals

Pig Welfare and Welfare at the Slaughterhouse 2026

Slaughterhouse welfare is the final opportunity to reduce pig suffering, with 2026 bringing new monitoring requirements and improved practices.

Key Facts

CCTV monitoring in pig slaughterhouses is now mandatory in England, Wales, and Scotland
Official veterinarian oversight is required during stunning and slaughter
Electrical stunning quality is monitored through 7-point assessment at UK abattoirs
Lairage handling including loading density and mixing of unfamiliar pigs affects welfare
Consumer transparency about slaughter welfare practices is growing through certification programs

Welfare Considerations

Slaughterhouse welfare deserves the same scrutiny as on-farm welfare. Monitoring, training, and accountability at this final stage reduce welfare compromise at scale.

What You Can Do

Support mandatory CCTV in slaughterhouses globally
Advocate for official veterinarian oversight requirements
Choose pork from slaughterhouses with welfare certification