Man has the moral obligation to respect all animals and also to safeguard animals which are destined for slaughter from unnecessary suffering. Each country should establish regulations to secure humane conditions of slaughter for the various animal species. Unloading, lairaging, moving, stunning and bleeding of animals are all important for animal welfare; training and sensitivity of personnel are also essential. Ethological principles should be applied to the handling of animals and the design of slaughterhouse facilities. Efforts should be made to improve existing slaughter methods and/or develop new systems which ensure animal welfare, meat quality and work safety, while reducing costs and human labour, if possible. Animal welfare will probably be maximised if economical, ethical and qualitative considerations coincide. The role of the veterinarian is fundamental in supervising personnel, slaughterhouse facilities and the slaughter process, and in ensuring prompt care and humane treatment for animals.