The stunning and slaughter of dairy cows is governed by state and federal legislation and policies. Modern abattoir design is based off guidelines that enable the animal to feel calm.

The care of all animals entering abattoirs is governed by state and federal legislation and policies. The Industry Animal Welfare Standards for Livestock Processing Establishments Preparing Meat for Human Consumption can be found Australian Livestock Processing Industry Animal Welfare Certification System (AAWCS).

Modern abattoir design is based off the research of Temple Grandin, who produced guidelines for developing yards and abattoirs that enable the animal to feel calm. 

When animals arrive at abattoirs, they are assessed to prioritise vulnerable animals and allocated pens. From these initial pens, animals are typically moved through curved laneways to a closed box for stunning. After stunning, via captive bolt or electrical stunner, the animal is quickly bled and then processed for meat. More detail on the process of slaughter can be found here: How are animals killed for food? – RSPCA Knowledgebase Review of stunning and Halal slaughter | Meat & Livestock Australia.