an electronic animal stunning system is disclosed , wherein animals can be continuously stunned while being moved through a stunning passageway , and wherein the current for the stunning process utilizes a series of electrodes for sequentially contacting the animal to be stunned and providing the stunning current . in particular , a series of pivotally mounted overhead electrode paddles are provided , wherein each paddle in the series of paddles pivots when contacted by the animal &# 39 ; s head and slides across the face of the animal &# 39 ; s head thereby setting up an electric current through the animal &# 39 ; s head . the present invention is particularly useful for the slaughtering of hogs .