Important Points About This Website

This guide is intended to instruct operators in the proper and humane use of captive-bolt equipment for the slaughter and killing of cattle, pigs, sheep, goats, deer and horses. In order to safeguard the welfare of the animals to be killed, it is necessary for the guide to be both thorough and illustrated. As such, some people may find some of the descriptions and graphics upsetting. Please do not read further or view the video clips if you feel you may be negatively affected by the content.

Captive-bolt stunning equipment is potentially lethal. You are advised to read the safety section of these notes with particular care. If you are in any doubt as to any aspect of the operation of this type of equipment, you should consult the manufacturer. In no circumstances can the Humane Slaughter Association (HSA) accept any liability for the way in which captive-bolt stunning equipment is used, or any loss, damage, injury or death caused thereby, since this depends on circumstances wholly outside the HSA’s control.

For information regarding captive-bolt stunning of poultry, the HSA has produced an online guide titled 'Practical Slaughter of Poultry - A Guide for the Smallholder and Small-Scale Producer' which contains a section on concussion stunning.

The HSA aims to provide up-to-date and accurate information. If you have suggestions for improving any of the material included in this guide please let us know at info@hsa.org.uk or using the contact details provided at the HSA Website.

A Paperback Version Of This Guide (published 2006) is also available to purchase.