Abstract: A device for severing the carotid artery of a slaughter animal, in particular a pig, with a pointed object or a knife, comprising a knife guide carried by a movable support, wherein the support to be moved along the breast side of the slaughter animal bears a scanning element for detecting a part of the body which is in a known spatial relationship with the place where the carotid artery must be severed. Said part of the body is preferably formed by the transition from the breast bone to the neck. Advantageously, the support comprises a plate with two sliding ribs. The scanning element may be formed by a spring-supported running wheel which can be moved at right angles to the plane through the sliding ribs.