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. Both methods are proven to substantially reduce animal suffering."  

A report by the Animal Welfare Committee (AWC), an independent expert committee advising Defra, as well as the Scottish and Welsh governments, found that stunning pigs with carbon dioxide caused the animals pain and anxiety.

"Pigs are highly sentient and intelligent animals, capable of experiencing pain and fear," according to Defra.

The Minister for Food, Fisheries and Farming, Stephen Morgan said: “We are committed to supporting farmers and businesses make this transition which will bring long-term benefits”. 

Minister Morgan added that it was important for consumers to know whether the meat products they consume had been produced in a way that supports high standards of animal welfare.

“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,” Morgan added.

Animal welfare

According to a statement by Defra, the proposal is part "of a wider government world leading welfare strategy, which sets out ambitions to improve the lives of farmed animals".

"The strategy aims to ensure animals are treated humanely throughout their lives, and at slaughter."  

According to the chair of the AWC, Madeline Campbell, "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,” she added.

According to Defra, the department had been working with pig processors, equipment manufacturers, gas suppliers, and animal welfare organisations since April 2024.

The practicalities of introducing alternative measures and minimising the impact of costs to consumers have been carefully examined, the statement said.  

"The consultation launched today [October 26] will seek views on the proposals, including the welfare benefits, costs, feasibility and potential timescales for moving away from carbon dioxide."