Ask any supermarket how much of their meat or chicken is Halal and chances are they will duck the question. Most, but not all sadly, will be adamant in asserting that all animals in their supply chain are stunned prior to slaughter.
However, this hides the reality. The level of current applied during stunning and needed to ensure that the animal remains unconscious while it is being slaughtered has been deliberately set too low. As a result, many animals are regaining consciousness while being slaughtered which results in unnecessary suffering. Under Halal, this suffering will continue until the animal has bled to death. This is unacceptable in any civilised society.
The WATOK Regulations (Welfare of Animals at Time of Killing) were due to be brought in last year. These regulations would have mandated an increase in the level of current to ensure that the animal remained unconscious and so free from unnecessary suffering. Under pressure from abattoirs (because it would increase their electricity bill!) and the Muslim community, DEFRA revoked these regulations.
This epetition is aimed at ensuring that the WATOL Regulations are put into force. Please consider signing this epetition and you are very welcome to copy this to anyone else in your address book.
epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/75111
Thank you for your consideration
Mike