The Welfare of Animals (Slaughter or Killing) Regulations 1995

Specific requirements for stunning by use of a captive bolt instrument

4.—(1) No person shall use, or cause or permit to be used, a captive bolt instrument to stun any animal prior to its slaughter or killing for the purpose of disease control unless—

(a) subject to sub-paragraph (3) below, the instrument is positioned so as to ensure that the projectile enters the cerebral cortex; and

(b) the instrument is applied in the proper position and the correct strength of cartridge or other propellant is used, in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, to produce an effective stun.

(2) No person shall shoot, or cause or permit to be shot, any bovine animal in the back of the head.

(3) No person shall shoot, or cause or permit to be shot, any sheep or goat in the back of its head, unless the presence of horns prevents use of the top or the front of its head, in which case it may be shot in the back of the head provided that—

(a) the shot is placed immediately behind the base of the horns and aimed towards the mouth; and

(b) bleeding is commenced within 15 seconds of shooting or the sheep or goat is killed within 15 seconds of shooting in accordance with Part III of Schedule 5.