Sentenced to Death A Viva! report on the slaughter of farmed animals in the UK by Rebecca Smith

GLOSSARY Argon gas: An inert gas present in the atmosphere in minute quantities which can be used for stunning. Carotid arteries: The major arteries that supply blood to the head. Cortical responsiveness: Responsiveness of the brain. Cortisol: A hormone which is produced by the adrenal glands and appears in response to stress. Dressing procedures: Removing the skin, head, feet and intestines from an animal. Exsanguination: The period when an animal bleeds to death. Evisceration: Removal of the internal organs of an animal - same as disembowelling. Impedance: Resistance to a flow of electricity. Jugular: Large vein in the neck that carries blood to the heart from the head. Pithing: The insertion of a wire or rod through the hole in the head made by the captive bolt pistol to destroy the lower part of the brain and the spinal cord. Stunning: Using electricity, gas or a bullet in an attempt to cause immediate unconsciousness. Stun-to-stick interval: The time interval between stunning and knifing an animal. Sticking: Sticking a knife into the throat or chest of an animal so that s/he bleeds to death. Thoracic stick: Using a knife to sever all the major blood vessels near the heart. Ventricular fibrillation: Uncontrollable twitching of the heart muscle fibres.