How did the UK government respond to the petition on pre-slaughter stunning?

In response to the British Veterinary Association (BVA) e-petition, the UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) said it would like to see all animals stunned before slaughter, but also respects the rights of Jews and Muslims to eat meat according to custom. The petition reached 50,000 signatures in just two weeks (later over 70,000). European and British legislation requires all animals to be stunned before slaughter to reduce pain, but allows derogations for the religious slaughter of Halal and Kosher food. The campaign concerns animal welfare rather than an attitude toward religious belief.

Why is there a call for clearer labeling of meat slaughter methods?

Because the BVA and RSPCA are concerned that animals slaughtered without stunning enter the market unlabeled as such. As consumer concern about animal welfare grows, the campaign calls for clearer labeling so people can make informed choices - that is, indicating whether the meat was stun- or non-stun-slaughtered. DEFRA said ministers would consider the matter, given that the European Commission is studying slaughter-method labeling.

UK Report: Government Responds Positively to Slaughter Petition

After a campaign was launched to end non-stun slaughter and provide consumers with better information about animal welfare in slaughterhouses, it received a positive response from ministers and officials.

In response to the British Veterinary Association (BVA) e-petition, the UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) said it would like to see all animals stunned before slaughter. But it also respects the rights of Jews and Muslims, who expect to eat meat according to custom. The response also acknowledged that consumers need better information to help them make informed choices.

The e-petition is one of the fastest-rising applications on the UK government website, reaching 50,000 signatures in just two weeks. To improve animal welfare at the time of death, ending non-stun slaughter is part of this campaign, and since the British Veterinary Association (BVA) launched it in April, it has received more than 70,000 signatures. It is also supported by the RSPCA. You can see the petition at www.bit.ly/stunB4slaughter. Scientific evidence shows that slaughter without prior stunning harms animal welfare. Therefore, European and British legislation requires all animals to be stunned before slaughter so that they feel no pain until death.

However, this legislation allows derogations for certain groups, such as animal slaughter in Halal and Kosher food, permitting animals not to be stunned before slaughter.

BVA President Robin Hargreaves said: 'We are encouraged by the government's statement that, in the UK, it would like to see all animals stunned before slaughter. This is an animal welfare issue affecting millions of animals each year, and our petition strongly shows that many people agree and that it is action they have long awaited. To the disappointment of those who supported this campaign, the Prime Minister has stated that he will not consider a complete ban on slaughter without prior stunning. However, we will continue to take measures to improve animal welfare, such as killing animals from behind to reduce fright and marking the slaughter position more clearly.'

The BVA and RSPCA are also concerned that animals slaughtered without stunning enter the market unlabeled as such. As consumer concern about animal welfare increases, the campaign calls for clearer labeling so that people can make informed choices.

In response to the e-petition, DEFRA replied that ministers would consider the matter this summer, given that the European Commission is studying slaughter-method labeling.

David Bowles of public affairs added: 'The RSPCA strongly supports clear labeling to improve consumer transparency, so that consumers know and understand what they are buying, mainly referring here to stun or non-stun slaughter methods.'

'Although the government says consumers should be provided with the necessary information for reference so that they can make informed choices about their food. When the Commission's study is published, we will know their true commitment - whether they really support these campaigns.'

It is worth noting that this campaign does not involve an attitude toward religious beliefs, but concerns animal welfare. The e-petition remains open, and the BVA hopes it can reach 100,000 signatures so that it can be considered by the House of Commons.

FAQ

How did the UK government respond to the petition on pre-slaughter stunning?: In response to the British Veterinary Association (BVA) e-petition, the UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) said it would like to see all animals stunned before slaughter, but also respects the rights of Jews and Muslims to eat meat according to custom. The petition reached 50,000 signatures in just two weeks (later over 70,000). European and British legislation requires all animals to be stunned before slaughter to reduce pain, but allows derogations for the religious slaughter of Halal and Kosher food. The campaign concerns animal welfare rather than an attitude toward religious belief.
Why is there a call for clearer labeling of meat slaughter methods?: Because the BVA and RSPCA are concerned that animals slaughtered without stunning enter the market unlabeled as such. As consumer concern about animal welfare grows, the campaign calls for clearer labeling so people can make informed choices - that is, indicating whether the meat was stun- or non-stun-slaughtered. DEFRA said ministers would consider the matter, given that the European Commission is studying slaughter-method labeling.

FAQ

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