UK Plans to Phase Out CO2 Stunning of Pigs at Slaughter

The UK government's Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has proposed phasing out the stunning of pigs with high-concentration carbon dioxide (CO2) before slaughter. A public consultation on the plan opened on 26 October. The aim is to reduce animal pain and distress, and the change could affect the country's pork processing sector.

Defra names argon gas and automated electrical stunning as alternatives. The department says both methods are proven to substantially reduce animal suffering.

Expert committee findings

The proposal draws on a report by the Animal Welfare Committee (AWC), an independent expert body that advises Defra as well as the Scottish and Welsh governments. The committee found that stunning pigs with CO2 caused them pain and anxiety. Defra stresses that pigs are highly sentient and intelligent animals, capable of experiencing pain and fear.

AWC chair Madeline Campbell said the evidence-based case for moving away from high-concentration CO2 on welfare grounds is incontrovertible. She hopes all stakeholders will work together to overcome the challenges for industry, and that the transition period will be as short as possible.

Government position

Stephen Morgan, Minister for Food, Fisheries and Farming, said the government is committed to supporting farmers and businesses through the transition, which he said will bring long-term benefits. He also stressed that consumers should be able to know whether the meat they buy was produced to high animal welfare standards.

The proposal is part of a wider government welfare strategy that aims to ensure farmed animals are treated humanely throughout their lives, including at slaughter.

Preparatory work

Since April 2024, Defra has been working with pig processors, equipment manufacturers, gas suppliers and animal welfare organisations. The department says it has carefully examined the practicalities of introducing alternatives and ways to limit cost impacts on consumers. The consultation will gather views on welfare benefits, costs, feasibility and possible timescales.