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No | Name | Description | Conditions of use | Key parameters | Specific requirements for certain methods — Chapter II of this Annex |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Penetrative captive bolt device | Severe and irreversible damage of the brain provoked by the shock and the penetration of a captive bolt. Simple stunning. | All species. Slaughter, depopulation and other situations. | Position and direction of the shot. Appropriate velocity, exit length and diameter of bolt according to animal size and species. Maximum stun to stick/kill interval(s). | Not applicable. |
2 | Non-penetrative captive bolt device | Severe damage of the brain by the shock of a captive bolt without penetration. Simple stunning [F1in accordance with points 1.1 and 1.2 of Chapter 2 of this Annex and otherwise in accordance with points 1.1, 1.3 and 1.4 of that Chapter]. | Ruminants, [F2piglets,] poultry, rabbits and hares. Slaughter only for ruminants [F3except lambs of less than 10kg live weight and kids of less than 10kg live weight]. Slaughter, depopulation and other situations for poultry, [F4piglets of less than 10kg live weight, lambs of less than 10kg live weight, kids of less than 10kg live weight,] rabbits and hares. | Position and direction of the shot. Appropriate velocity, diameter and shape of bolt according to animal size and species. Strength of the cartridge used. [F5Kinetic energy delivered.] Maximum stun to stick/kill interval(s). | [F6Point 1] [F6Points 1.1 to 1.4]. |
3 | Firearm with free projectile | Severe and irreversible damage of the brain provoked by the shock and the penetration of one or more projectiles. | All species. Slaughter, depopulation and other situations. | Position of the shot. Power and calibre of the cartridge. Type of projectile. | Not applicable. |
4 | Maceration | Immediate crushing of the entire animal. | Chicks up to 72 hours and egg embryos. All situations other than slaughter. | Maximum size of the batch to be introduced. Distance between the blades and speed of rotation. Measure to prevent overloading. | Point 2. |
5 | Cervical dislocation | Manual or mechanical stretching and twist of the neck provoking cerebral ischemia. | Poultry up to 5 kg live weight. Slaughter, depopulation and other situations. | Not applicable. | Point 3. |
6 | Percussive blow to the head | Firm and accurate blow to the head provoking severe damage to the brain. | Piglets, lambs, kids, rabbits, hares, fur animals and poultry up to 5 kg live weight. Slaughter, depopulation and other situations. | Force and location of the blow. | Point 3. |
Textual Amendments
F1Words in Annex I Ch. I Table 1 inserted (E.) (3.2.2022) by The Protection of Animals at the Time of Killing (Amendment) (England) Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/33), regs. 1(b), 2(2)(a)
F2Word in Annex I Ch. I Table 1 inserted (E.) (3.2.2022) by The Protection of Animals at the Time of Killing (Amendment) (England) Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/33), regs. 1(b), 2(2)(b)(i)
F3Words in Annex I Ch. I Table 1 inserted (E.) (3.2.2022) by The Protection of Animals at the Time of Killing (Amendment) (England) Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/33), regs. 1(b), 2(2)(b)(ii)
F4Words in Annex I Ch. I Table 1 inserted (E.) (3.2.2022) by The Protection of Animals at the Time of Killing (Amendment) (England) Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/33), regs. 1(b), 2(2)(b)(iii)
F5Words in Annex I Ch. I Table 1 inserted (E.) (3.2.2022) by The Protection of Animals at the Time of Killing (Amendment) (England) Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/33), regs. 1(b), 2(2)(c)
F6Words in Annex I Ch. I Table 1 substituted (E.) (3.2.2022) by The Protection of Animals at the Time of Killing (Amendment) (England) Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/33), regs. 1(b), 2(2)(d)
No | Name | Description | Conditions of use | Key parameters | Specific requirements of Chapter II of this Annex |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Head-only electrical stunning | Exposure of the brain to a current generating a generalised epileptic form on the electro-encephalogram (EEG). Simple stunning. | All species. Slaughter, depopulation and other situations. | Minimum current (A or mA). Minimum voltage (V). Maximum frequency (Hz). Minimum time of exposure. Maximum stun-to-stick/kill interval(s). Frequency of calibration of the equipment. Optimisation of the current flow. Prevention of electrical shocks before stunning. Position and contact surface area of electrodes. | Point 4. |
2 | Head-to-Body electrical stunning | Exposure of the body to a current generating at the same time a generalised epileptic form on the EEG and the fibrillation or the stopping of the heart. Simple stunning in case of slaughter. | All species. Slaughter, depopulation and other situations. | Minimum current (A or mA). Minimum voltage (V). Maximum frequency (Hz). Minimum time of exposure. Frequency of calibration of the equipment. Optimisation of the current flow. Prevention of electrical shocks before stunning. Position and contact surface area of electrodes. Maximum stun-to-stick interval(s), in case of simple stunning(s). | Point 5. |
3 | Electrical waterbath | Exposure of the entire body to a current generating a generalised epileptic form on the EEG and possibly the fibrillation or the stopping of the heart through a waterbath. Simple stunning except where frequency is equal to or less than 50 Hz. | Poultry. Slaughter, depopulation and other situations. | Minimum current (A or mA). Minimum voltage (V). Maximum frequency (Hz). Frequency of calibration of the equipment. Prevention of electrical shocks before stunning. Minimising pain at shackling. Optimisation of current flow. Maximum shackle duration before the waterbath. Minimum time of exposure for each animal. Immersion of the birds up to the base of the wings. Maximum stun-to-stick/kill interval(s) for frequency over 50 Hz(s). | Point 6. |
No | Name | Description | Conditions of use | Key parameters | Specific requirements of Chapter II of this Annex |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Carbon dioxide at high concentration | Direct or progressive exposure of conscious animals to a gas mixture containing more than 40 % carbon dioxide. The method may be used in pits, tunnels, containers or building previously sealed. Simple stunning in case of slaughter of pigs. | Pigs, mustelids, chinchillas, poultry except ducks and geese. Slaughter only for pigs. Other situations than slaughter for poultry mustelids, chinchillas, pigs. | Carbon dioxide concentration. Duration of exposure. Maximum stun-to-stick interval(s) in case of simple stunning. Quality of the gas. Temperature of the gas. | Point 7. Point 8. |
2 | Carbon dioxide in two phases | Successive exposure of conscious animals to a gas mixture containing up to 40 % of carbon dioxide, followed when animals have lost consciousness, by a higher concentration of carbon dioxide. | Poultry Slaughter, depopulation and other situations | Carbon dioxide concentration. Duration of exposure. Quality of the gas. Temperature of the gas. | Not applicable. |
3 | Carbon dioxide associated with inert gases | Direct or progressive exposure of conscious animals to a gas mixture containing up to 40 % of carbon dioxide associated with inert gases leading to anoxia. The method may be used in pits, bags, tunnels, containers or in buildings previously sealed. Simple stunning for pigs if the duration of exposure to at least 30 % of carbon dioxide is of less than 7 minutes. Simple stunning for poultry if the overall duration of exposure to at least 30 % of carbon dioxide is of less than 3 minutes. | Pigs and poultry. Slaughter, depopulation and other situations. | Carbon dioxide concentration. Duration of exposure. Maximum stun-to-stick/kill interval(s) in case of simple stunning. Quality of the gas. Temperature of the gas. Oxygen concentration. | Point 8. |
4 | Inert gases | Direct or progressive exposure of conscious animals to a inert gas mixture such as Argon or Nitrogen leading to anoxia. The method may be used in pits, bags, tunnels, containers or in buildings previously sealed. Simple stunning in case of the slaughter of pigs. Simple stunning for poultry if the duration of exposure to anoxia is of less than 3 minutes. | Pigs and poultry. Slaughter, depopulation and other situations. | Oxygen concentration. Duration of exposure. Quality of the gas. Maximum stun-to-stick/kill interval(s) in case of simple stunning. Temperature of the gas. | Point 8. |
5 | Carbon monoxide (pure source) | Exposure of conscious animals to a gas mixture containing more than 4 % of carbon monoxide. | Fur animals, poultry and piglets. Other situations than slaughter. | Quality of the gas. Carbon monoxide concentration. Duration of exposure. Temperature of the gas. | Points 9.1, 9.2 and 9.3. |
6 | Carbon monoxide associated with other gases | Exposure of conscious animals to a gas mixture containing more than 1 % of carbon monoxide associated with other toxic gases. | Fur animals, poultry and piglets. Other situations than slaughter. | Carbon monoxide concentration. Duration of exposure. Temperature of the gas. Filtration of the gas produced from engine. | Point 9. |
[F87 | Low atmospheric pressure stunning | Exposure of conscious animals to gradual decompression with reduction in available oxygen to less than 5 %. | Broiler chickens up to 4 kg live weight. Slaughter, depopulation and other situations. | Rate of decompression. Duration of exposure. Ambient temperature and humidity. | Points 10.1 to 10.5.] |
Textual Amendments
No | Name | Description | Conditions of use | Key parameters | Specific requirements of Chapter II of this Annex |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Lethal injection | Loss of consciousness and sensibility followed by irreversible death induced by the injection of veterinary medicines. | All species. Other situations than slaughter. | Type of injection. Using approved medicines. | Not applicable. |
Textual Amendments
F9Words in Annex 1 Ch. 2 point 1 renumbered as Annex 1 Ch. 2 points 1.1 and 1.2 (E.) (3.2.2022) by The Protection of Animals at the Time of Killing (Amendment) (England) Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/33), regs. 1(b), 2(3)(a)
poultry, rabbits, hares; or
ruminants of less than 10kg of live weight].
Textual Amendments
F10Words in Annex 1 Ch. 2 point 1.2 inserted (E.) (3.2.2022) by The Protection of Animals at the Time of Killing (Amendment) (England) Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/33), regs. 1(b), 2(3)(b)(i)
F11Annex 1 Ch. 2 point 1.2(a)(b) and words substituted for words (E.) (3.2.2022) by The Protection of Animals at the Time of Killing (Amendment) (England) Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/33), regs. 1(b), 2(3)(b)(ii)
piglets of less than 10kg live weight;
lambs of less than 6kg live weight; or
kids of less than 4kg live weight.
Textual Amendments
F12 Annex 1 Ch. 2 points 1.3, 1.4 inserted (E.) (3.2.2022) by The Protection of Animals at the Time of Killing (Amendment) (England) Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/33), regs. 1(b), 2(3)(c)
Category of animals | Minimum kinetic energy for propulsion method |
---|---|
Piglets of less than 10kg live weight | 27.7 Joules |
Lambs of less than 6kg live weight | 107 Joules |
Kids of less than 4kg live weight | 27.8 Joules] |
This method shall provide instantaneous maceration and immediate death of the animals. The apparatus shall contain rapidly rotating mechanically operated killing blades or expanded polystyrene projections. The capacity of the apparatus shall be sufficient to ensure that all animals are killed instantaneously, even if they are handled in a large number.
These methods shall not be used as routine methods but only where there are no other methods available for stunning.
These methods shall not be used in slaughterhouses except as a back-up method for stunning.
No person shall kill by manual cervical dislocation or percussive blow to the head more than seventy animals per day.
Manual cervical dislocation shall not be used on animals of more than three kg live weight.
Category of animals | Bovine animals of 6 months or older | Bovine animals less than 6 months | Animals of ovine and caprine species | Animals of porcine species | Chicken | Turkeys |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Minimum current | 1,28 A | 1,25 A | 1,0 A | 1,3 A | 240 mA | 400 mA |
The minimum currents for head-to-body electrical stunning shall be 1 ampere for sheep and goats and 1,30 amperes for pigs.
Electrodes shall be applied to the mouth and rectum with a current of a minimum value of 0,3 amperes and a minimum voltage of 110 volts for at least three seconds.
Electrodes shall be applied ear to tail with a current of a minimum value of 0,57 amperes for at least 60 seconds.
(average values per animal)
Frequency (Hz) | Chickens | Turkeys | Ducks and geese | Quails |
---|---|---|---|---|
< 200 Hz | 100 mA | 250 mA | 130 mA | 45 mA |
From 200 to 400 Hz | 150 mA | 400 mA | Not permitted | Not permitted |
From 400 to 1 500 Hz | 200 mA | 400 mA | Not permitted | Not permitted |
In the case of pigs, mustelids and chinchillas, the minimum concentration of 80 % of carbon dioxide shall be used.
Under no circumstances shall gases enter into the chamber or the location where animals are to be stunned and killed in a way that it could create burns or excitement by freezing or lack of humidity.
has been suitably cooled;
has been sufficiently filtered;
is free from any irritant component or gas.
The engine shall be tested every year before the killing of animals takes place.
the animals to move freely in the required direction using their behavioural characteristics and without distraction;
pigs or sheep to walk side by side, except in the case of races leading to the restraining equipment.
optimise the application of the stunning or killing method;
prevent injury or contusions to the animals;
minimise struggle and vocalisation when animals are restrained;
minimise the time of restraint.
optimise the application of stunning by gas;
prevent injury or contusions to the animals;
minimise struggle and vocalisation when animals are restrained.
Mammals, except rabbits and hares, which are not taken directly upon arrival to the place of slaughter, shall be lairaged.
Animals which have not been slaughtered within 12 hours of their arrival shall be fed, and subsequently given moderate amounts of food at appropriate intervals. In such cases, the animals shall be provided an appropriate amount of bedding or equivalent material which guarantees a level of comfort appropriate to the species and the number of animals concerned. This material shall guarantee an efficient drainage or ensure adequate absorption of urine and faeces.
shall not be thrown, dropped, or knocked over;
where possible, shall be loaded and unloaded horizontally and mechanically;
Whenever possible animals shall be unloaded individually.
to limit urine and faeces falling on the animals placed underneath;
to ensure stability of the containers;
to ensure that ventilation is not impeded.
milking dairy animals at intervals of not more than 12 hours;
providing appropriate conditions for suckling and the welfare of the newborn animal in the case of a female having given birth;
providing water in the case of animals delivered in containers.
strike or kick the animals;
apply pressure to any particularly sensitive part of the body in such a way as to cause animals avoidable pain or suffering;
lift or drag the animals by the head, ears, horns, legs, tail or fleece, or handle them in such a way as to cause them pain or suffering;
however, the prohibition on lifting animals by their legs shall not apply to poultry, rabbits and hares;
use prods or other implements with pointed ends;
twist, crush or break the tails of animals or grasp the eyes of any animal.
strong enough not to break;
such as to allow the animals, if necessary, to lie down and to eat and drink;
designed in such a way as to eliminate any danger of strangulation or injury, and so as to allow animals to be quickly released.
Killing operations listed in Article 7(3) | Subjects for examination of competence |
---|---|
the killing of fur animals. | Practical aspects of handling and restraining animals. Practical aspects of stunning techniques and knowledge of manufacturers’ instructions on stunning equipments. Back-up stunning and/or killing methods. Monitoring the effectiveness of stunning and confirmation of death. Basic maintenance and cleaning of stunning and/or killing equipment. |