Very large numbers of farmed livestock are slaughtered daily around the world to provide food and other resources for human benefit. It is important that slaughter methods are as humane as possible – that they approach as closely as possible the ideal of not causing any fear or pain. Great advances have been made in this field in recent decades and work in pursuit of further improvements is continuing.

The HSA’s Humane Slaughter Award scheme aims to help give recognition to important contributions and to help promote the pursuit of further advances. It is open to individuals or organisations, anywhere in the world, whose work has resulted in significant advances in the humane slaughter of farmed livestock such as cattle, sheep, pigs, other mammals, poultry or fish. The 2012 award was won by the Stunning and Slaughter Group of the University of Bristol Veterinary School.

The HSA is keen to receive applications, or nominations of potential candidates from third parties, relating to advances in science or important technological developments that have led or are leading to advances in humane slaughter. The award is for £1,000 and the deadline for the receipt of applications or nominations is 14th December 2012.

Details and application or nomination forms can be obtained from the HSA, The Old School, Brewhouse Hill, Wheathampstead, Herts AL4 8AN. Telephone 01582 831919, fax 01582 831414, email [email protected] or can be downloaded from www.hsa.org.uk