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The HSA welcomes Defra's new welfare reforms for pigs, farmed fish and crustaceans at slaughter

22 December 2025

We are delighted to see that Defra's new Animal Welfare Strategy for England includes commitments to ban high-concentration CO₂ for stunning pigs and to introduce specific, enforceable legislation to protect the welfare of farmed fish at slaughter. We are also pleased to see commitments to improve the welfare of decapod crustaceans at slaughter, including clarification that live boiling of crabs and lobsters is not acceptable. All of these measures are vital reforms that will prevent millions of animals each year from experiencing avoidable pain and distress at the time of slaughter.

HSA welcomes recommendation from the UK Animal Welfare Committee calling for a ban on the use of CO2 to stun pigs

31 October 2025

We are delighted to see a strong recommendation from the UK Animal Welfare Committee (AWC) which calls for a ban on the use of CO₂ to stun pigs. The report, to which we contributed evidence, echoes our calls for a ban with a phase-out period that should be as short as possible and within five years. The evidence has long been clear that CO₂ is not a humane method of slaughter for pigs, and there is now clear evidence that alternatives are both more humane and practical.

HSA supports national study into poultry catching and handling

29 August 2025

The HSA is contributing expertise to a major new study that aims to improve the welfare of poultry during catching and handling on farms throughout Britain.

UK government confirms phase-out of lead ammunition following wildlife welfare and environment concerns

17 July 2025

The UK government has announced that it will phase out the use of most lead ammunition in outdoor shooting across Great Britain, with legislation expected to be in place by summer 2026. A three-year transition period will then begin, giving the shooting industry time to switch to suitable alternatives.

Save the date! HSA Conference 2025

15 April 2025

We are pleased to announce that the HSA’s Conference 2025, Animal Welfare Beyond the Farm Gate: Latest developments in humane slaughter and transport of animals, will take place on 21 – 22 October 2025, both in-person and online.

UFAW and HSA Research Director, Dr Birte Nielsen, Appointed Visiting Professor at the University of Edinburgh

16 August 2024

The Universities Federation for Animal Welfare (UFAW) and the Humane Slaughter Association (HSA) are proud to announce that Dr Birte Nielsen, our Research Director, has been appointed as a Visiting Professor at the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh.

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Humane Slaughter Association

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