Our Work

The Humane Slaughter Association works to improve the welfare of food animals during transport, marketing, slaughter, and killing for disease control and welfare reasons. It works through research, education, training and technical advances to improve standards and bring practical and lasting improvements to the welfare of food animals around the world.

The HSA has gained an international reputation for being a knowledgeable and practical organisation, with a sound understanding of livestock and livestock handling. The HSA is respected for its focus on science-based solutions and the support it has given to scientific and technical development in its field.

Practical, constructive, proven

Over the last 100 years, the HSA’s work has resulted in many significant improvements for food animals around the world and many of the reforms it has promoted are now taken for granted. Significant improvements continue to be achieved through working constructively alongside agricultural, meat industry, veterinary and other welfare and professional organisations.

The HSA provides:

• Up-to-date technical information and advice on all aspects of animal handling, transport, slaughter and killing.
• Training in humane methods of handling and slaughter of livestock for farmers, vets, abattoir staff and students.
• Technical and educational publications in a range of formats.
• Independent advice to governments, other welfare organisations and the food industry.
• Visits to markets and slaughterhouses recommending and advising on improvements where necessary.
• Funding for essential research and other projects through grants and awards.
• Development and application of scientific advances into the working practices of the meat industry.

Welfare at Slaughter

Welfare in Markets

Welfare during Transport

HSA Mentoring Partnership

FAQs

Together we can make a difference

The HSA relies on voluntary donations, subscriptions and legacies. With your support it will continue to make practical and lasting improvements to the welfare of all food animals.

How you can help

UFAW/HSA University Links

The HSA shares a university link scheme with the Universities Federation for Animal Welfare (UFAW). The aim of the links scheme is to promote animal welfare science while providing a forum for the involvement of members and supporters. 

Students at universities in the links scheme are eligible to apply for the HSA Dorothy Sidley Memorial Scholarships.

For further information, and a list of participating universities, follow the link below.

UFAW/HSA University Links