Halal and Kosher Slaughter – Ethical or not?

[birdie1971]

The thread below about ASDA stocking Halal meat has turned into a bit of a farce. I shall attempt to resurrect the question as it is a subject I am concerned about.

In my opinion, Halal and Kosher slaughter methods are at odds with animal welfare. Whether you agree with the slaughter of animals for food purposes or not, I think it's safe to say that the majority of people consider any sort of unnecessary animal suffering abhorrent.

The usual (or non-Halal/Kosher) method of slaughter is that the animal is stunned (ie. rendered unconscious) and then killed.

The Halal/Kosher method of slaughter is that the animal in question is conscious at the moment the fatal wound is inflicted. Typically, a religious prayer is said and then the animal, whilst fully conscious, has it's throat cut.

Thoughts?

[sp1814]

birdie1971,

You'd have to read the research carried out by Bristol University into the stunning technique, which unfortunately isn't available online.

The point I've raised is that the CURRENT form of halal slaughter renders the animal unconscious prior to being killed so it feels no pain. This is in accordance with EU regs.

The only difference between this form of slaughter and traditional methods is that the animal isn't killed by the shock - only rendered insensible.

That's not opinion. It's a fact.