At the end of their productive life, almost all farm animals will be transported to a slaughterhouse to be killed. The potential for animals to suffer is often increased at this time due to the strange sights, movements, noises, smells and unfamiliar animals and stockpersons they will encounter.
It is therefore vital that transportation is kept to a minimum by slaughtering animals close to the point of production, and that animals are handled and safeguarded at all times during transport and slaughter by properly trained, competent and caring staff.
The RSPCA is concerned that the way in which many farm animals are transported and slaughtered is unsatisfactory. We are working for improvements in a number of ways, including lobbying for better, properly enforced laws to protect animals at these times.
Useful links
The Humane Slaughter Association
