Subject: Slaughtering

Council of the EU conclusions on animal welfare - an integral part of sustainable animal production

Council of the European Union

Published in 2019

In its conclusions, the Council invites the Commission to develop a new EU strategy for the protection and welfare of animals founded on the lessons learned from the 2012-2015 strategy. The Council also encourages the Commission and Member States to launch communications and public education initiatives on the fundamental role of good animal welfare in promoting animal health, food safety and a sustainable agri-food sector.

Document Types: Opinions

Keywords: Societal issues, Human-animal relationships

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Significant variation in the management of cull sows before transport for slaughter: results from a survey of Danish pig farmers

Mette S Herskin, Margit D Aaslyng, Inger Anneberg, Peter T Thomsen, Louisa M Gould, Karen Thodberg

Published in 2020

Investigation into the conditions under which cull sows are sent to slaughter in Denmark

Document Types: Scientific paper

Animal categories: Porcines

Keywords: Stress, Transport

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Scientific opinion concerning the killing of rabbits for purposes other than slaughter

EFSA

Published in 2020

Opinion on methods of killing rabbits other than for slaughter, identification of 14 hazards for animal welfare and mitigation measures

Document Types: Opinions

Animal categories: Mammals

Keywords: Anxiety, Livestock buildings, Pain, Societal issues, Environment, Risk management, Living environment, Fear, Human-animal relationships, Stress 

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French Assemblée Nationale - Written answer to Question No. 24860: Meilleure prise en compte du bien-être des volailles

French Assemblée Nationale

Published in 2020

Answer to a question on the degree to which  EFSA's proposals to improve the welfare of poultry at slaughter are taken into consideration

Document types: Regulation/Certification

Animal categories: Poultry

Keywords: Anxiety, Consciousness, Pain, Societal issues, Fear, Stress

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Guidelines for the Humane Slaughter of Animals

AVMA (American Veterinary Medical Association)

Published in 2016

Preview: “The content of the AVMA Guidelines for the Humane Slaughter of Animals (Guidelines) reflects the AVMA’s on-going commitment to ensure that the treatment of animals during every stage of life, including during the induction of death, is as humane and respectful as possible. While much remains to be learned about animal pain and consciousness and new evidence and technological innovation may lead to the adoption of more humane techniques, this edition of the Guidelines relies on the scientific evidence currently available."

Document Types: Good practice guide

Keywords: Risk management

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Electrical waterbath stunning of poultry

Humane Slaughter Association

Published in 2015

Good practice methods for the waterbath slaughter of poultry

Document Types: Good practice guide

Animal categories: Poultry

Keywords: Risk management

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Vers une nouvelle approche du contrôle du bien-être animal : exemple du Règlement CE 1099/2009 sur la protection des animaux au moment de leur mise à mort. Veterinary thesis

Paul Jamey

Published in 2016

Examination of what Regulation EC 1099/2009 on slaughtering achieves in relation to previous texts. Concept of animal welfare regulations, self-monitoring. Sociological study. Analysis of the ANSES Opinion on the "Slaughter" Guide to Good Practice.

Document Types: Scientific review

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Evaluation du projet de Guide de Bonnes Pratiques d’abattage des ovins en matière de protection animale

ANSES

Published in 2014

The Opinion assesses the draft Guide de bonnes pratiques (GBP, Guide to Good Practice) taking into account the available scientific facts, and identifies problem areas from a scientific and/or regulatory point of view, putting forward recommendations supported by scientific evidence for possible improvements or enhancements to the guide.

Document Types: Opinions

Animal categories: Ovines

Keywords: Animal-based measurements, Anxiety, Consciousness, Pain, Risk management, Welfare indicators, Fear, Stress

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A European guide to establishing supply chains for whole or immunocastrated male pigs (English version)

European Commission

Published in 2018

Rearing: the guide includes reports of on-farm experiments to limit the occurrence of boar taint or to achieve 100% immuno-vaccination in males.
Abattoirs: the survey of methods to detect carcasses with boar taint indicates that the majority of supply chains involved use the "human nose" method, following rigorous protocols. Danish scientists report that an objective technique for quantifying malodorous molecules is being developed in an abattoir.
Curing: alternative uses for the small percentage of carcasses with boar taint are set out.
Changing practices: Last, examples of supply chains that have wholly or partially ceased surgical castration highlight the key role of retail sales personnel in promoting product chains that follow the specifications and in making consumers aware of them.

Document Types: Good practice guide

Animal categories: Porcines

Keywords: Societal issues, Risk management, Mutilation, Carcass quality, Processing

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