Shechita in the EU

30.9.2016

Question for written answer E-007393-16
to the Commission
Rule 130
Georg Mayer (ENF)

Shechita means kosher slaughtering of animals according to the prescribed rites. This is tolerated by the public out of a mistaken view of religious freedom. It is undeniably the case that religious freedom is precious and the protection accorded to it rightly has constitutional force. However, the dialogue on ethical animal welfare and consumer protection needs to be pursued further, bearing in mind that, in this case, the animals’ suffering starts even before their throats are cut, in other words when they are shackled. Cattle subjected to this form of ritual slaughter secrete increased quantities of hormones and suffer inordinate stress. In addition, considerable force has to be used in order to bring them into the right position for slaughter. Restriction in the form of a ban on unstunned slaughter is a step in the right direction, but does not, to my mind, go far enough. We have to be clear about our responsibility as an enlightened society when sections of our society slaughter animals in a particular way for the sake of tradition or for religious reasons.

— What approach is the Commission taking to a comprehensive ban on suffering inflicted needlessly on animals?— Is it not the case, moreover, that slaughter of this kind is dictated more by tradition and has less to do with religious practice?— Does the Commission have reliable figures on the incidence of offences related to unauthorised slaughtering?