Abstract: A head gate assembly for restraining the head of an animal during ritual and humane slaughter includes first and second head gates including sliding plate supported for relative sliding movement between restraining and release positions. Each head gate includes a chin lift arm and a pivot assembly mounting the chin lift arm to the associated sliding plate. Each pivot assembly includes a bushing block welded to the associated sliding plate. The bushing block carries a bushing and pivot pin that is received in a mounting portion defined on the end of the chin lift arm. A neck restraint includes a neck tube supported by a support disposed to be located rearwardly of the head of, and in non-contacting relation with the neck of, an animal being restrained by the head gate assembly, maximizing access to a rearward portion of the head of the animal to facilitate stunning of the animal.