Guidelines for humane handling, transport and slaughter of

Guidelines for humane handling, transport and slaughter of livestock 1
CHAPTER 1
ANIMAL STRESS AND PAIN
Scientific research has shown that warm-blooded animals
(this includes livestock) feel pain and the emotion of fear. In
particular mammals, including food animals of this group, have brain
structures that enable them to feel fear and suffering from pain, and
it is likely that they suffer pain in the same way as humans. Fear and
pain are very strong causes of stress in livestock and stress affects
the quality of meat obtained from this livestock. Pain is usually the
effect of injury and suffering, which also affects the quality and
value of meat from affected animals.
When animals are subjected to unusual conditions or
circumstances due to the wilful actions of people, it is people’s moral
responsibility to ensure that the welfare of these animals is cared for
and that they do not suffer unnecessary discomfort, stress or injury.
Efficient, experienced and quiet handling of livestock, using
recommended techniques and facilities, as well as taking measures to
eliminate pain and accidental injury, will reduce stress in the animals
and prevent quality deficiencies in meat and by-products.