Registered Charity No: 1159690 (England & Wales): Charitable Incorporated Organisation.

Whilst many people recognise the importance of animal welfare whilst on the farm, animals may also face welfare challenges ‘beyond the farm gate’. At the HSA, we play a vital role in promoting the welfare of animals in markets, during transport and at slaughter, by providing funding and support for essential research.

Funding research

Animals such as crustaceans (crabs and lobsters) and cephalopods (octopus and squid) have recently been recognised as sentient – capable of both positive and negative experiences – in UK law. Despite this, many of these animals are killed without first rendering them unconscious, or ‘stunning’ them. In order to protect their welfare and minimise suffering, the HSA has provided funding to support two research projects which aim to identify and scientifically validate humane stunning methods for these species. Funding such research projects costs millions of pounds.

Practical and international

We are dedicated to bringing practical and lasting improvements to the welfare of food animals around the world. The HSA is working with the livestock industry and animal welfare scientists globally to deliver training and advice on the welfare of animals during transport and at slaughter. We are currently working with colleagues in China, the largest consumer of meat in the world, to deliver training and advice to undergraduate students and those currently working with food animals, to improve the welfare of millions more animals.

The HSA is funded solely by donations and legacies from members and supporters. With your help, we can continue to make practical and lasting improvements to the welfare of all food animals. Thank you.