Consultation Launched on Carbon Dioxide Stunning of Pigs to Prevent Suffering

Abattoirs face ban on gas which causes 'unnecessary' pain and distress to pigs in abattoirs

The Government has taken the first step towards banning the use of high concentration carbon dioxide to stun millions of pigs a year to spare the animals “unnecessary” pain and distress.

Defra proposes new humane alternatives for pig slaughter

A new Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) proposal will see carbon dioxide stunning be replaced by humane alternatives. The proposal aims to phase out the use of high-concentration carbon dioxide stunning to “spare pigs unnecessary pain and distress before slaughter,” a statement by Defra said.  “Alternatives include, argon gas and automated electrical stunning. […]

Consultation launched on carbon dioxide stunning of pigs to prevent suffering

Pigs will be spared unnecessary pain and distress before slaughter under new government plans to phase out the use of high-concentration carbon dioxide stunning.

PARTICIPATE: Consultation on Carbon Dioxide Stunning of Pigs

Defra consults on ending carbon dioxide pig stunning

Defra is consulting on replacing carbon dioxide stunning of pigs. Alternative gas and electrical methods could require extensive changes to abattoir equipment, with responses due by 21 December 2026.

Conservative Animal Welfare Foundation welcomes Government plans to end CO₂ stunning of pigs

The Conservative Animal Welfare Foundation (CAWF) has welcomed the Government’s announcement of plans to phase out the use of high-concentration carbon dioxide (CO₂) stunning of pigs in British slaughterhouses, marking an important step forward for farm animal welfare.