Cooperl slaughterhouse faces criticism over CO2 pig stunning methods

The animal rights organization L214 has released footage from the Cooperl slaughterhouse in Montfort-sur-Meu, Brittany, denouncing the use of carbon dioxide (CO2) to stun pigs. The report claims that approximately 800 pigs are subjected to CO2 gasification every hour, a process described as causing intense fear, panic, and respiratory distress as animals struggle to escape the gas before losing consciousness.

L214 is calling on the French government to ban CO2 stunning and is urging the retailer Carrefour to stop sourcing products from these methods. A petition supporting these demands has gathered over 40,000 signatures, backed by various veterinarians and public figures.

In response, Cooperl—a global leader in pork production—has denounced the footage as being filmed illegally and characterized the campaign as a militant strategy, stating that the company reserves the right to pursue legal action. The facility reportedly invested approximately 5 million euros in 2024 to implement this equipment to increase productivity and market reach.