Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for stunning animals intended for slaughter by electric discharge, of the type comprising means for conveying said animals and at least two retractable electrodes movable between a first active position for which the electrodes are placed on either side of the animal's head and a second retracted position. According to the invention, the electrodes are borne by a carriage mounted to roll freely and movable along guide means conveying the animals and inclined upwardly, from the first active position towards the retracted position under the action of the thrust of the animal, and returned towards its active position by return means operating by gravity. The invention is more particularly applicable to slaughterhouses.