Humane Handling and Slaughter of Food Animals in Canada

The humane handling and slaughter of food animals in Canada is a shared responsibility of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), industry, stakeholders, transporters, operators and every person who handles live animals.

Canadian law requires that all federally registered slaughter establishments ensure that all species of food animals are handled and slaughtered humanely.

The CFIA verifies that federal slaughter establishments are compliant with the Meat Inspection Regulations.

The CFIA's humane slaughter requirements take effect when the animals arrive at the federally registered slaughter establishment. Industry is required to comply with the Meat Inspection Regulations for all animals under their care.

The Health of Animals Regulations govern the humane transportation of all animals in Canada.

Information on the CFIA’s role in the transportation of farm animals:

• Animal Welfare / Transportation of Animals

Information we provide for the public includes the following information on the humane slaughter of food animals:

• Fact Sheet - Humane Slaughter of Horses in Canada
• Fact Sheet - Humane Slaughter of Food Animals In Canada
• Enforcement - Humane Slaughter of Food Animals in Canada