The UK government has unveiled plans to phase out the use of high-concentration carbon dioxide stunning for pigs.
A public consultation launched today (26 October) will seek views on proposals to transition the pork industry toward more humane methods, with authorities saying the change would spare animals the “unnecessary pain and distress” before slaughter.
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Alternatives methods proposed include argon gas and automated electrical stunning. Both practices are proven to “substantially reduce animal suffering”, a statement read.
According to the government, high-concentration carbon dioxide is widely used to stun pigs in British slaughterhouses. Independent evidence has also highlighted “serious concerns” about the suffering it causes animals, including “panic and breathing difficulties”, the statement added.
UK Farming Minister Stephen Morgan said: “We are a nation of animal lovers – pigs are intelligent animals that deserve to be treated with care and respect throughout their lives, including at slaughter.
“The public want to know the meat they buy in the shops is produced in a way that supports high standards of animal welfare. These plans will help deliver that and reduce unnecessary suffering.
“We are committed to supporting farmers and businesses make this transition, which will bring long-term benefits.”
The shift also aims to reduce the British pork industry’s dependence on carbon dioxide supplies, which can be affected by international events.
Concerns over potential shortages linked to the conflict in the Middle East highlighted the “vulnerability of global gas supply chains”, the statement added.
The government has been working with pig processors, equipment manufacturers, gas suppliers and animal-welfare organisations since April 2024 to examine the practicalities of introducing alternative measures and to ensure minimal cost impact on consumers.
The public consultation will run until 21 December. It seeks views on the welfare benefits, costs, feasibility and potential timescales, recognising businesses will need time to adapt.
The move was also backed by the Animal Welfare Committee.
Its chair, Madeline Campbell, said the committee views the continued use of high-concentration CO2, when more humane and legally permitted alternatives are available, is “ethically unacceptable”.
Campbell added: “The evidence-based argument for moving away from the use of high concentration CO2 on animal-welfare grounds is incontrovertible.
“I hope that all stakeholders will now work together to overcome the acknowledged challenges for industry which such a move presents and deliver that change within a transition period which is as short as possible.”
