HSA Conference 2026: Join the conversation on animal welfare beyond the farm gate
29 September 2026
Time is running out to secure your place at our 2026 Conference taking place on 20-21 October 2026 at The Catalyst, Newcastle-upon-Tyne. The two-day event will bring together researchers, practitioners and policy makers working to improve the welfare of animals during transport and slaughter.
This year's theme, "Animal Welfare Beyond the Farm Gate: Latest developments in humane slaughter and transport of animals", reflects the conference's focus on sharing the latest research, practical innovations and policy developments that can help improve welfare outcomes across a range of species and production systems.
Delegates can look forward to a varied and engaging programme covering topics including:
- Animal transport and handling including poultry catching
- Welfare monitoring and assessment
- Poultry slaughter
- Emergency depopulation and humane killing
- Slaughter of aquatic species, including octopus
- Slaughter of farmed insects
- Red-meat and equine slaughter
- Religious and non-stun slaughter
The conference will also feature panel discussions, dedicated sessions for discussion and networking, creating plenty of opportunities to exchange ideas and connect with colleagues from across the sector.
Among the presentations scheduled are new research on insect welfare, poultry consciousness following non-stunned slaughter, automated welfare monitoring technologies, animal transport innovations and alternative slaughter approaches.
To make the event as accessible as possible, we offer both in-person and online attendance options, with free online registration available for delegates from eligible low- and middle-income countries. Registration remains open until 12 noon BST on Monday 19 October 2026.
Whether you work in industry, research, education or policy, the HSA Conference 2026 is an excellent opportunity to learn from leading experts, discover the latest evidence and contribute to discussions that are helping shape the future of animal welfare.
For the full programme details and registration information, visit the HSA Conference 2026 webpage.