Welfare and Death

• Death is a natural biological event but, in the context of animal welfare, the manner in which animals die is of major concern.
• Welfare considerations apply both during life and at the time of death.
• Humane treatment in dying stages ensures reduction of pain, fear, distress, and suffering.

Relationship between Welfare and Death

• Welfare during death is about how the animal experiences its final moments rather than the death itself.
• Poor welfare at death occurs if animals are subjected to avoidable suffering such as:

1. Rough handling during slaughter.
2. Prolonged transport without rest or water.
3. Inadequate stunning methods.

• Good welfare at death means the animal dies quickly, painlessly, and without fear.

Key Issues Affecting Welfare at Death

a. Slaughter Practices

• Humane slaughter requires stunning to render animals insensible before killing.
• Mechanical, electrical, and gas stunning methods must be applied correctly.
• In some religious slaughter methods, animals may be slaughtered without stunning, raising welfare concerns.

b. Transport Before Slaughter

• Long journeys, overcrowding, dehydration, and injuries reduce welfare before death.
• Stress hormones increase, leading to suffering and reduced meat quality.

c. Euthanasia

• In veterinary practice, euthanasia should be carried out humanely using approved drugs.
• Goal: painless, quick, stress-free death.
• Necessary in cases of incurable disease, severe injury, or uncontrollable pain.

d. Mass Depopulation and Culling

• Occurs during disease outbreaks (e.g., avian influenza, foot and mouth disease).
• Welfare must be considered in the methods used (CO₂ chambers, humane culling).

Ethical Dimensions

• Animal Ethics: Even though death ends suffering, the way it occurs determines the moral responsibility of humans.
• Public Concern: Consumers increasingly demand that animals raised for food are also slaughtered under humane conditions.
• Veterinarian’s Role: To advocate for and ensure humane death practices.

Importance of Welfare at Death

• Reduces animal suffering and distress.
• Maintains ethical standards of livestock production and veterinary practice.
• Enhances meat quality and safety (stress-free animals have better carcass quality).
• Builds consumer trust in welfare-friendly production systems.
• Supports compliance with OIE, FAO, and national legislation on animal welfare.