Position on Alternatives to High Concentration C02 Slaughter of Pigs

For decades, scientific evidence has consistently shown that CO₂ stunning causes significant suffering. In the period before pigs lose consciousness, they experience pain, fear, and respiratory distress. CAS systems using inert gases, such as argon, have been shown to significantly reduce stress and pain during stunning for pigs compared to high concentration CO2 and are a feasible to implement within existing CO2 systems. Improvements in the pre-stun handling of pigs can further reduce stress prior to stunning in both CAS systems with inert gases and electrical stunning systems. Compassion urges the industry to move away from CO₂ stunning and adopt more humane alternatives that align with both scientific evidence and ethical responsibility.