Method and system for pre-stunning and/or stunning animals

A method for pre-stunning and stunning animals, the method comprising a stunning process, during which the animals are exposed to a stunning gas, and a process of reducing animal reactions when exposed to a pre-stunning relaxation gas and/or to the stunning gas during the stunning process or during a pre-stunning process preceding said stunning process, the method comprising:

• exposing at least one animal to a pre-stunning relaxation gas and/or stunning gas for an exposure period;
• and
• exposing the at least one animal to at least one smell additive at least during an initial part of said exposure period, in addition to the pre-stunning relaxation gas and/or stunning gas;
• wherein exposing the at least one animal to the at least one smell additive comprises dispensing the at least one smell additive via a dispensing device;
• wherein the smell additive is selected from the group of:
• one or more pheromones, chemical analogs of pheromones, natural fruity smells, and chemical analogs of natural fruity smells;
• wherein the step of exposing the at least one animal to at least one smell additive is initiated before initiating exposing the at least one animal to the pre-stunning relaxation gas and/or stunning gas;
• wherein the smell additive has no pharmacological effect and only masks perception by the at least one animal of exposure to an aroma of the stunning gas;
• and
• wherein the smell additive exposed to the at least one animal is provided in an amount that is perceptible by the at least one animal and further conceals presence of the pre-stunning relaxation gas and/or stunning gas.