Abstract
This dissertation explores the different slaughter methods considered humane, which are used and required by law to kill pigs raised for human consumption in the European Union. The main points covered are - the methods required by current EU Regulation 1099/2009 on the protection of animals at the time of killing which include; electrical stunning (head-only and head-body) and gas stunning (carbon dioxide gas and inert gas mixtures). The advantages and disadvantages of these methods are discussed, using results found online from studies and research conducted on the topic, including a list of other methods studied which are not permitted by law but are being looked into and possibly developed as potential alternative stunning methods. The enforcement of this Regulation and the surrounding issues is also touched upon towards the end of the dissertation. In the conclusion, the question of whether any of these methods can be considered truly humane is explored, based on the true definition of the word humane and the results of the studies discussed.
Highlights
This dissertation explores the different slaughter methods considered humane, which are used and required by law to kill pigs raised for human consumption in the European Union
Another problem associated with this method is the violent kicking, spasms and contractions caused by the epileptic seizure induced by the stunner, which interfere with the shackling and bleeding stage, given that animals are more likely to be bled incorrectly if they are rigid or kicking[39]
The results showed that fewer haemorrhages were observed in the shoulders of pigs stunned with the waterjet when combined with electroimmobilisation[180], electro-immobilisation would reduce carcass movements and haemorrhages, the disadvantages from an animal welfare standpoint are great[181]
Summary
Throughout history, the most commonly used method to slaughter animals, or socalled ‘livestock’, was taking a sharpened blade to the neck, mainly for food safety reasons, in order to remove the blood from the carcass for better conservation. Following on from that, in 1882 Richardson founded the Model Abattoir Society to promote the use of public slaughterhouses, to secure adequate inspection and to require the adoption of the healthiest, most convenient and most humane methods of killing animals for food. Important part in the passage of the Slaughter of Animals Act 19939. This act required that the electrical stunner, known as the ‘electrolethaler’, be used on pigs reared for bacon in factories. Despite this requirement, in slaughterhouses without electricity, workers were permitted to strike pigs with a knife while still fully conscious[10]. World War thousands of pigs were slaughtered for home consumption and many were left to bleed out while fully conscious[11]
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