Published 12/06/2014

We are disappointed with the government’s response to the British Veterinary Association’s (BVA) petition to end slaughter without stunning for farm animals to reduce suffering.

The petition has received more than 65,000 signatures. The government was legally obliged to respond once it reached 10,000, which it did.

While the government says it would “prefer to see all animals stunned before they are slaughtered for food” no action is being taken.

Our Head of Campaigns, Emma Slawinski says: “It is disgraceful that the government refuses to act while the science proves animals that are not stunned will suffer a painful death.

“We have a responsibility to ensure all animals slaughtered for meat have the most humane death possible.”

Slaughter without stunning: the issue

We are supporting a petition started by the BVA urging the government to end slaughter without stunning in the UK.

EU and UK law requires all animals to be stunned before slaughter, so that they don’t feel pain when they are killed.

There is an exemption to stun before slaughter for certain communities. Animals slaughtered for halal or kosher meat are allowed to be slaughtered without being stunned.

Animals must be stunned before slaughter to ensure their suffering is minimised. While slaughter without stunning is still permitted we are supporting clearer labelling so consumers can make an informed choice.

Take Action

You can help give this issue the attention it deserves by signing the BVA’s government petition calling for an end to non-stun slaughter in the UK.

Once you have signed the petition please share it, if we reach 100,000 signatures the petition will be considered for debate by the government’s Backbench Business Committee. Every signature counts.