The killing of animals and poultry for food. In developed and some developing countries, slaughter of animals for meat takes place under closely regulated conditions in slaughterhouses. Legislation often dictates that food animals should be slaughtered without undue stress and suffering, and that bleeding should be as complete as possible; effective stunning is of primary importance in achieving these aims. Both Judaism and Islam prescribe a ritual protocol for the slaughter of animals for human consumption; stunning is not used in kosher or halal slaughter.