The European Commission has launched a new public consultation on animal stunning, focusing on the authorisation and extension of more humane methods.

The consultation aims to amend Annex I to Council Regulation (EC) No 1099/2009 on the protection of animals at the time of killing. In particular, it addresses the authorisation of non-penetrative captive bolt stunning and nitrogen high-expansion foam stunning.

Having regard to Council Regulation (EC) No 1099/2009 of 24 September 2009 on the protection of animals at the time of killing, and in particular Article 4(2) thereof,

Whereas:

(1) Annex I to Regulation (EC) No 1099/2009 sets out the stunning methods to be used for stunning animals. Pursuant to Article 4 (2) of Regulation (EC) No 1099/2009, Annex I to that Regulation may be amended to take account of scientific and technical progress on the basis of an opinion of the European Food Safety Authority (‘the Authority’) provided that the new method ensures a level of animal welfare at least equivalent to that ensured by the existing methods. The annex may be amended based on new scientific and technical information.

(2) The non-penetrative captive bolt method uses a device with a ‘mushroom-headed’ bolt tip to impact the skull without entering the brain, causing unconsciousness of the animal due to brain concussion and, in case of neonates, death.

(3) The Commission requested the Authority to provide opinions that would serve as sound scientific basis for future discussions at the level of the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) in the context of the revision of the relevant standards on the welfare of animals at slaughter and at killing. Between 2019 and 2024, the Authority adopted a series of opinions on the welfare of different species of animals at slaughter and during killing.

To find out more about the consultation process go to: Draft implementing regulation – Ares(2026)2642985

Feedback received will be taken into account in finalising this initiative. The deadline for submissions is 8 April.