UK legislation requires that all cattle be stunned before slaughter, with religious exemptions for halal and shechita (kosher) slaughter. Pre-slaughter welfare at UK abattoirs is monitored by the Food Standards Agency with official veterinarians present.
Cattle that are improperly stunned experience consciousness during exsanguination. Pre-slaughter welfare is affected by handling stress during unloading, unfamiliar lairage environments, and driving to the restraining box. Low-stress handling systems that minimise fear during the pre-slaughter period are as welfare-important as stunning quality. Welfare monitoring by official veterinarians at approved UK abattoirs provides oversight that is absent in many other countries.