CAPTIVE BOLT STUNNING

WHAT IS CAPTIVE BOLT STUNNING

Captive-bolt stunning is a humane and widely accepted method of rendering livestock unconscious before slaughter or during emergency euthanasia. It is commonly used across farming, veterinary, and abattoir settings where both safety and animal welfare are top priorities. When used correctly, captive bolt stunning is fast, effective, and fully compliant with welfare standards, including those outlined by the Humane Slaughter Association (HSA).

A captive-bolt stunner is a mechanical device that fires a metal bolt with controlled force into the animal’s forehead. Unlike a live bullet, the bolt remains attached to the device — either retractable or non-penetrating — depending on the animal species and the intended use. The purpose is to instantly disrupt brain activity, ensuring the animal becomes unconscious immediately and feels no pain. This immediate collapse, while sometimes accompanied by reflexive limb movement, indicates that the tool has done its job efficiently.

Because of its reliability and compliance with welfare regulations, the captive-bolt stunner is an essential tool for smallholders, farmers, and professional slaughterers alike — especially for those who prioritise doing things properly, safely, and with compassion.

HOW DOES CAPTIVE BOLT STUNNING WORK?

Captive bolt stunning works by firing a bolt — powered either by a blank cartridge or compressed air — directly onto the animal’s head. When applied correctly, the bolt penetrates the skull or delivers a powerful concussive blow to the brain, causing immediate unconsciousness and collapse. While involuntary movements like twitching or kicking may occur afterward, these are purely reflexive and not signs of pain. To ensure a humane death, the animal must then be quickly bled (exsanguinated) or pithed, which destroys the brain and spinal function. This method is considered safe, as there’s no risk of ricochet like with a free bullet, making it suitable for enclosed spaces and close-quarters work. It is highly effective — rendering the animal unconscious in under a second when done properly — and aligns with UK animal welfare laws and slaughterhouse regulations. Controlled and reliable, it’s the ideal solution for farmers, small abattoirs, and emergency euthanasia scenarios where professionalism and compassion matter.

HUMANE BIRD DISPATCH TOOL - FAST & RELIABLE

For smaller animals like poultry and game birds, we also offer humane bird dispatchers – specialist tools that quickly and painlessly euthanise sick, injured, or pest birds. These are ideal for gamekeepers, farmers, and pest control professionals. Humane Bird Dispatchers are designed with compassion and practicality in mind, offering a reliable and ethical solution. These specialized tools work by gently but effectively crushing the spinal cord of wounded, sick, or captured birds – without cutting – ensuring a swift and painless dispatch every time. Engineered for ease of use, the high-leverage design requires minimal effort, while the precision-set jaws guarantee accurate and consistent results. Built for comfort and long-term durability, they feature zinc-plated handles with soft grips and highly visible red coloring, so they’re easy to locate in outdoor environments. Optional sturdy leather holders provide added convenience in the field. Whether you’re managing gamebirds like pheasants and partridges, handling domestic poultry such as chickens and guinea fowl, or dealing with pest species like pigeons and crows, this tool ensures the job is done humanely, quickly, and with the least distress to the animal. It’s an essential addition for anyone committed to responsible animal management.

HUMANE STUNNERS AT WOODCOTT FARMS

We supply professional-grade captive-bolt stunners suitable for cattle, sheep, pigs, and other livestock. Our stunners are built to high safety standards and are quite easy to maintain. Irrespective of the size of livestock, – Small, Medium and Large Animals – we’ve got you covered. Click below to visit our shop today

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Thanks to Jack at WoodCott, he agreed to have my Chiappa rifle repaired out of warranty directly as the dealer has gone out of business. This is needed as I know sourcing parts are difficult

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FAQs On Humane Stunners and Captive Bolt Stunning

WHAT ARE THE most common humane slaughter methods?

Stunning followed by bleeding is considered most humane. Methods like penetrating captive bolt or electronarcosis (electrical stunning) are preferred as they ensure immediate insensibility. Gas stunning may also be humane but must prevent distress before unconsciousness

What is stunning animals before slaughter?

Stunning is the process of making animals unconscious prior to killing. It prevents them from feeling pain or distress during bleeding. Methods include mechanical (captive bolt), electrical, or gas stunning. UK law requires pre-stunning, with few religious exceptions

How should I store my stunner and blanks?

It is advisable to store both stunner and blanks in a dry, secure area, safely out of reach of children and unauthorized users. To ensure reliable performance and prevent malfunctions, the stunner should be cleaned and lightly oiled on a regular basis. Proper storage and maintenance help extend the life of the equipment and keep it ready for use when needed.

Do I need to get a licence to own a humane stunner?

Simple answer, No licence is required – humane stunners are no longer classed as firearms. However, you must be at least 18 years old to purchase one. For added security, we ship all orders via recorded delivery as though they were licensable items, ensuring they reach the right hands.

How do I use humane stunners or captive bolt guns?

Using a humane stunner or captive bolt gun requires accuracy and understanding of animal anatomy. The correct target point on the animal’s head will vary depending on the species, and striking this point is essential to ensure instant unconsciousness and prevent unnecessary suffering. To guarantee a single, effective shot—and to carry out follow-up procedures like bleeding or pithing safely and humanely—we strongly recommend referring to the Humane Slaughter Association’s publications: Captive Bolt Stunning of Livestock and Humane Killing of Livestock Using Firearms. These guides offer clear, expert instruction for responsible use.