Humane-Slaughter-Guidelines

of the journey, other studies 47 have shown decreased
welfare and carcass quality in rabbits experiencing prolonged
transport to slaughter. Ideal temperatures for
rabbit transport are between 50° and 68°F (10° and
20°C), and temperatures above 95°F (35°C) or humidity
below 55% are detrimental to rabbit welfare. 44 It is
important to remember that when transport crates are
stacked, rabbits located centrally in the stack may be
prone to hyperthermia and poor ventilation, while rabbits
in crates on the periphery may be subject to hypothermia.
41 Crates for transport and lairage should have
solid floors to prevent urine and feces transfer from
higher crates. 41 Multifloor cage stands can adversely affect
welfare if rabbits are left in them for long periods
of time. 45
Providing adequate ventilation, preventing exposure
to extreme temperatures, providing food and water
for prolonged lairage, and avoiding long delays between
loading and transport or arrival and stunning are
important factors in maintaining rabbit welfare in the
preslaughter period. 45 Extended lairage times should
be avoided, and water should be provided when delays
between arrival and slaughter are expected; this not
only is good for animal welfare but reduces live weight
and carcass losses. 45 Lairage areas should be protected
from the elements to minimize exposure to temperature
extremes.
Commercial processing of rabbits in the United
States is generally performed in plants designed to
process poultry. 48 Rabbits should be stunned prior to
shackling; shackling and hanging of conscious rabbits
should be avoided. Shackling has been shown to
be painful and distressful to poultry, 49,50 and without
research to show differently, it must be assumed that
it is also painful and distressing to conscious rabbits.
Although one paper 51 on halal slaughter of rabbits suggests
that shackling of rabbits by one leg and simultaneously
performing deep throat cuts did not result in
signs of rabbit distress, there are questions about those
authors’ methodology. The primary criterion used to
determine distress was the presence of vocalization in
the rabbits; however, the throat cuts severed the tracheas
of these rabbits, thereby making vocalization impossible.
The authors indicate that other potential signs of
distress and sensibility, such as movement of mouth or
eye reflexes, were not recorded.
Successful stunning is characterized by cessation of
respiration, excessive salivation, and increased motor
activity consisting in the (eg. immediate onset of tonic
spasm followed by weak to heavy clonic spasms). 52,53
Not all animals develop convulsive muscle activity, and
cessation of rhythmic breathing is considered a more
reliable indicator of a successful stun, 52 although some
consider lack of corneal reflex as the best measure of
insensibility in rabbits. 54
Maria et al 55 studied five methods of electrostunning
for commercial rabbits (n > 50) using variable
voltages and frequencies. Voltages < 19 V were not
recommended. The most common parameters used in
commercial facilities were 49 V, 5.6 milliseconds, and
189 Hz for 3 seconds. These parameters did not produce
changes in muscle pH. 56 Anil et al 52 recommend a
minimum current of 140 mA by application of 100 V to
obtain adequate stunning. The European Food Safety
Authority 57 recommends that 400 mA be used in headonly
stunning devices. Impedance from rabbit fur can
result in a wide range of achieved currents, resulting
in variation in the effectiveness of the stun. Stunning
devices should employ an impedance- or resistancesensing
device that will prevent discharge in the event
of insufficient stunning current; this will minimize
the risk of inadequate and painful mis-stunning. The
stunned state lasts for at least 22 seconds, although in
adequately stunned rabbits, insensibility lasts for at
least 71 seconds. 52
Captive bolt apparatus designed for waterfowl can
be used on rabbits. 53 With penetrating captive bolts, the
best stunning results are obtained with a shot to the
parietal bone near the sagittal line but without hitting
bone sutures. 53 This is achieved by placing the captive
bolt slightly paramedian on the front as close to the ears
as possible (Figure 15). It is essential to stabilize the
head to prevent misses.
Following electric or captive bolt stunning, rabbits
are immediately shackled and exsanguinated. Rabbits
must be killed within 35 seconds of electric stunning or
they may recover consciousness. 45 In commercial rabbit
plants in Europe, exsanguination commences within 5
to 8 seconds following stunning, with many managers
allowing no more than an average of 15 seconds. 45,54
Bleeding time is reported to be 10 to 12 seconds 57 to 2
to 3 minutes. 41
Decapitation is not commonly employed in the
commercial slaughter of rabbits, but is sometimes used
for on-the-farm slaughter. 58 Operator competence is required
to perform decapitation in a humane fashion.
The operator must be familiar with the technique and
Figure 15—Recommended placement for captive bolt slaughter
of rabbits.
AVMA Guidelines for the Humane Slaughter of Animals: 2016 Edition 49