[sabrina]

Well our two pigs have been booked in to go next week and I feel so sad. They are wonderful creatures and have be a joy to be around. I am concerned that we have to take them up on Sunday morning but they will not be done till the Monday. I had hoped that the deed would have been done quickly and am now worried that they will be stressed. is this normal to go the day before.

[Roxy]

Those places are not nice, either for the people taking the animals in, nor the animals themselves. I believe they "smell death" there.  The farmer on our fields had an 18 year old cow, he had her since a calf.  She was past it, and booked in on the Sunday night.  I made him promise to take her on the Monday morning, as I could not bear the thought of her spending her last night in such a place.  He agreed he felt better doing that.

Its up to you, but if it were my pigs I would prefer to take them on the day itself, to avoid any stress both to the pigs and to me.  I know some people will say thats silly, but if the pigs have to go, its nicer for them not to have to spend more time than necessary in that place.

[HappyHippy]

When ours go they are always 'done' on the same day. I've not heard of them being there the night before - but maybe it's a bigger abbetoir than my local one ?
I agree that I wouldn't like the thought of them being there overnight- I'm a big softy though 

[Hilarysmum]

Stress will make the meat tough, best if you can get them there on the day rather than an overnight stay.

[Farmer]

Hi Sabrina,

Taking an animal to slaughter is the worst part of being a smallholder...but necessary all the same...I hate it and even after five years of doing it I still get stressed and upset...

Personally, I take my animals to the abattoir on the day of the kill and no matter how busy they are I am allowed to walk them to the pens myself...I find it less stressful for the animals and at least I've seen the job through from start to finish (I always say goodbye and give them a last pat or cuddle).

However...not all abattoirs are as understanding or cooperative...when they are busy and working they can be noisy and smelly places and some do not allow you to accompany the animals to the pens...if that's the case with yours, I would definitely take your pigs in the night before when its quiet and there's no pressure...better for you and them. Please be assured that the 'Deed' is done humanely and quickly at all abattoirs.

regards
Farmer
 

[Sylvia]

I take my animals to a small abbatoir just a few miles down the road. I will always ask to take them first thing in the morning so they don't have to hang around and I will ALWAYS lead them around to the slaughter area and stay until they are stunned.
Better for the animal's welfare, better for my concience and much better for the quality of the meat which is why we rear our own animals in the first place.
(You don't have to look, just be there!!)