Published 29/01/2015

We are delighted that a petition started by the British Veterinary Association (BVA) to stop slaughter without stunning has been signed by more than 100,000 people.

EU and UK law requires all animals to be stunned before slaughter, so that they don’t feel pain when they are killed. However, there is an exemption that allows slaughter without stunning for certain communities. Animals slaughtered for halal or kosher meat are allowed to be slaughtered without being stunned.

Animals slaughtered without being stunned have their throats cut whilst they are fully conscious which causes extreme pain and distress.

As the petition has reached 100,000 signatures it will be considered for a debate in parliament by the Backbench Business Committee.

Our Head of Campaigns Emma Slawinski said: “We are thrilled that the BVA petition which we support has reached 100,000 signatures – a victory for animals.”

“All animals must be stunned before slaughter to ensure their suffering is minimised.

“While slaughter without stunning is still permitted, meat from unstunned animals should be labelled so consumers can make an informed choice.”

BVA president John Blackwell reportedly said: "This is a truly fantastic result for animal welfare. BVA has long argued that all animals should be stunned before slaughter to render them insensible to pain and we are delighted that the British public has got so firmly behind our campaign.

"Consumers value the high welfare of British produce and care deeply about the provenance of their food.”