THE Humane Slaughter Association (HSA) frequently receives enquiries from small producers and others who keep small numbers of birds, about humane slaughter methods and equipment available for emergency slaughter. There are a number of pieces of equipment available for on-farm slaughter of poultry. However the HSA would urge smallholders to be aware that not all are humane.

To optimise welfare, the aim of the slaughter method should be to render the bird immediately unconscious and to quickly induce death thereafter, ie before recovery of consciousness. Some common methods used for on-farm slaughter include electrical stunning, concussion stunning or dislocation of the neck.

Depending on the equipment, if sufficient force is applied, the concussive method can kill the bird outright. The Cash Poultry Killer is a mechanical device specifically developed to produce a concussive blow and cause the death of the bird. However, under current legislation, it must be followed by neck cutting or neck dislocation if used for commercial' slaughter (meat is to be sold) or non-emergency culling. Where specialized equipment designed for this purpose is not used, concussion stunning cannot be recommended on welfare grounds, as it is not easy to ensure an effective manual blow to the skull. If not applied accurately and with sufficient force, it will cause extreme distress and suffering.

Hand-held electrical stunning is a common method used for commercial on-farm slaughter of poultry. When applied correctly the stun will render the bird immediately unconscious but it must be immediately followed by a killing method such as bleeding to ensure the bird dies through loss of blood before it recovers from the stun. Hand-held electrical stunning is currently the most suitable method for the slaughter of poultry on-farm for commercial purposes.

Neck dislocation without prior stunning is a legal killing method if it induces immediate unconsciousness without pain or suffering. In practice this is very difficult to achieve and therefore use of this method alone is not recommended for routine slaughter. It should only be used in an emergency or for very small numbers of birds where better methods are not available.

Methods and equipment for the humane slaughter of poultry - Equipment designed to kill the bird by crushing the neck, eg pliers, can take up to ten minutes to cause death even if used correctly, and is not recommended on welfare grounds.

Similarly, decapitation without prior stunning is legal but is not recommended as brain activity may continue for up to 30 seconds and it is doubtful that the bird is rendered immediately unconscious.

Legal requirements, including the necessity for a poultry slaughter licence, vary depending on the reasons for slaughter, eg whether it is emergency slaughter, commercial slaughter (where the meat is for sale) or slaughter for own consumption. Whatever method and equipment is chosen the user should ensure they have the appropriate skills and training. As an independent charity, the HSA periodically offers one-day courses that provide eligibility for a poultry slaughter licence. A comprehensive, practical guide on all aspects of slaughter for the small producer is also available.

For full details, or to register your interest in a course, contact the HSA on 01582 831919, email info@hsa.org.uk or visit www.hsa.org.uk.