Livestock

Cattle Welfare at Slaughter: Science and Standards

How modern abattoir practice protects cattle welfare at the point of slaughter.

Key Facts

EU and UK law requires stunning before slaughter in most circumstances
Captive bolt stunning followed by immediate sticking is the standard method
CCTV in abattoirs has improved monitoring and accountability
Welfare at slaughter is linked directly to ante-mortem handling and lairage conditions

Welfare Considerations

Slaughter welfare for cattle depends on the entire process from farm to stunning — not just the final act. Effective stunning requires correct equipment, maintenance, and operator training. Lairage conditions, handling, and minimising time in abattoir all affect welfare before the point of stunning. Animal welfare inspectors, CCTV monitoring, and official vet oversight are key welfare safeguards.

What You Can Do

Support mandatory CCTV in all UK abattoirs with independent viewing access
Advocate for regular auditing of stunning efficacy and lairage conditions
Choose meat from supply chains with transparent, independently audited welfare at slaughter