Killing animals is the most brutal act in the relationship between human beings and domestic animals. Certain people consider killing animals non ethical as such. Community legislation on slaughtering practices aims to minimise the pain and suffering of animals through the use of proper approved methods to stun and kill animals, based on scientific knowledge and practical experience.

The first Council Directive 74/577/EC on stunning of animals before slaughter was replaced in 1993 with Council Directive 93/119/EEC with a broader scope, both in terms of species concerned as of slaughter circumstances.

Ongoing initiatives:

• Eid-el-Kabir Celebration in France
• Ban of pithing after stunning

Legislation in force