The Scottish Government has published Guidance on Welfare at the Time of Killing in Salmon Farming, outlining standards for the humane slaughter of farmed fish. The document aims to help individuals and organizations involved in salmon farming comply with legal requirements designed to prevent pain, distress, or suffering during slaughter and related activities.

Farmed fish are included under Article 3.1 of assimilated Council Regulation (EC) 1099/2009, which applies across the UK and states that “animals shall be spared any avoidable pain, distress, or suffering during their killing and related operations.” They are also protected under the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006, which makes it an offense to cause or allow unnecessary suffering and requires those responsible for the animals to take reasonable steps to meet their welfare needs according to good practice.

The guidance outlines what is considered good practice for slaughter and killing procedures and will be updated as needed to reflect advancements in management practices, welfare science, and technology. Higher standards may also be specified by industry codes of practice or certification programs.

The document applies to all aspects of salmon slaughter and killing operations—including preparation, transport, slaughter for human consumption, euthanasia, and culling of salmon and other species relevant to salmon farming for other purposes.

Practices aligned with this guidance may be considered examples of good practice and could be taken into account by courts in cases involving alleged offenses under Sections 19 (unnecessary suffering) and 24 (ensuring animal welfare) of the 2006 Act. However, whether the guidance is relevant in a given legal case will depend on the specific facts and circumstances and may not always influence the outcome.

Deviation from the guidance may be permitted in exceptional cases, provided the need is documented by a licensed veterinary surgeon responsible for the care of the fish involved.

Download the guidance here.