Almost 80 per cent of UK wants an end to non stun slaughter
As debate is held in Parliament today, a new survey shows many Brits are unaware that exemptions don’t just apply to Halal*
As a parliamentary debate is held today (Monday 23 February) on the the issue of non-stun slaughter, a recent YouGov poll commissioned by the RSPCA shows people have very strong feelings on this issue – with 77 per cent of people surveyed agreeing the practice should be banned, with no exceptions.
However, the recent poll also highlighted the fact there is confusion over non-stun slaughter; with over half (51 per cent) of Brits believing all halal is from animals that are not pre-stunned. In fact, according to the Government’s Food Standards Agency, the large majority of Halal* does come from animals that have been stunned.
Meanwhile only two fifths (39 per cent) of people surveyed knew the exemption in the law also applies to Shechita, the Jewish method of slaughter.
The RSPCA is opposed to all slaughter without pre-stunning, a practice that can cause suffering to sentient animals such as cows, chickens and sheep.
“It is no surprise that around 8 in 10 people want an end to non-stun slaughter. There is growing public concern about the welfare of farm animals and people believe animals should be treated as humanely as possible throughout their lives, including at the time of slaughter,” said David Bowles, head of RSPCA public affairs.
It is important to differentiate between ‘religious’ and ‘non-stun’ slaughter. Our concern does not
relate to the expression of religious belief but to the practice of killing by throat cutting without pre-stunning. In fact, around 84% of halal* in the UK is pre-stunned demonstrating that animal welfare and religious purpose can work together,” he added.
The British Veterinary Association (BVA) petition, backed by RSPCA, a calling for an end non-stun slaughter has now reached more than 115,000 signatures, demonstrating there is strong public support for an end to all exemptions.
The British Veterinary Association (BVA) petition, backed by RSPCA, a calling for an end non-stun
slaughter has now reached more than 115,000 signatures, demonstrating there is strong public
support. There should be no exemption under the law to allow non-stun slaughter and we urge politicians to take action on this important issue.
The Westminster Hall debate will discuss the Government e-petition relating to ending non-stun slaughter to promote animal welfare. This debate was scheduled by the Backbench Business Committee and will take place at 4.30pm on Monday 23 February 2015.
The Government e-petition is open for signatures until 30 March at: www.bit.ly/BVAsb4s
Notes for editors
For full survey results and interviews, please contact the RSPCA press office on 0300 123 0244
- All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 2,177 adults.
- Fieldwork was undertaken between 18th – 19th January 2015. The survey was carried out online.
- The figures have been weighted and are representative of all GB adults (aged 18+).
- Denmark, Norway and Sweden have all introduced legislation making pre-stunning a requirement before slaughter with no exceptions. A move that helps protect the welfare of millions of farm animals.
*FSA 2013 animal welfare survey showed that around 84% of animals slaughtered by the Halal method were stunned before slaughter.
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