Are no-stun slaughter ban supporters being "anti-semitic"?

Tuesday 10 February 2015

People need to look at who’s backing the campaign calling for an outright ban on slaughtering animals without stunning them first according to the head of the Island’s Jewish congregation.

More than 100,000 people have signed the British Veterinary Association’s petition but Stephen Regal suspects not all supporters will be concerned about animal welfare.

He said: “We need to look at the focus – are they doing it for animal welfare or for anti-semitic reasons?

“The problem with petitions is people often look behind for a separate agenda.”

The campaigners say non-stun slaughter affects millions of animals and their concern does not relate to religious belief - Jewish or Muslim.

But Mr Regal said: “I think they should look towards our respect for animals both prior to slaughter and after slaughter.

"Our animals are treated with kindness, animals can’t see other animals being slaughtered and we ensure cleanliness is paramount.”

Kosher slaughter involves a deep stroke across the throat which causes unconsciousness within two seconds and has been recognised as one of the most humane methods of slaughter possible.

Mr Regal said here there is no retail of kosher meat here because there are only four or five families on the Island who eat it. They buy from the UK and have it brought over about once a month.

Although the UK government insists it still has “no intention” of outlawing religious slaughter campaigners will now press for a fresh Commons debate on the issue after quickly exceeding the six-figure threshold required on the parliamentary petition site to trigger a possible time slot.

Meanwhile Animal rights group Animal Aids is calling for CCTV cameras to be compulsory at slaughterhouses to prevent any acts of violence against animals.