The Ban on Preslaughter Stunning and Its Impact on Halal and Kosher Meat in New Zealand

In New Zealand, Switzerland, and Denmark, the practice of unstunned slaughter of animals is prohibited. However, how do Muslims and Jews obtain halal and kosher meat? This question is particularly relevant in New Zealand, a country with a diverse religious community. This article will explore the specific requirements for halal and kosher slaughter, the impact of preslaughter stunning bans, and the challenges and considerations for obtaining these meat products.

Halal Slaughter Practices in New Zealand

Muslims in New Zealand have no difficulty obtaining halal-slaughtered meat because all sheep and a large proportion of cattle are slaughtered in compliance with halal requirements. This is due to the misconception spread by Islamophobes that preslaughter stunning is prohibited in halal slaughter. However, this is not the case.

The requirements for halal slaughter are as follows:

The animal is positioned facing Mecca The heart is still beating when the throat is cut The throat is cut by a Muslim The person cutting the throat blesses each animal as the throat is cut The throat is cut with a very sharp knife The animal is bled out until the heart stops

It is important to note that sheep are stunned with head-only electrical stunning, and cattle are stunned with captive bolt methods. These methods ensure that the animal is unconscious and does not experience pain, while the heart continues to beat. After the throat is cut, the animal is suspended by the hocks, which allows for rapid bleeding and cessation of the heart before the animal regains consciousness.

Kosher Slaughter Practices in New Zealand

Kosher slaughter, on the other hand, requires the animal to be conscious when the throat is cut. This method has been shown to cause significant pain and distress according to EEG and cortisol measurements. Therefore, it is not possible to obtain kosher red meat in New Zealand.

The New Zealand law permits the preslaughter stunning of all animals, except for the slaughter of 200 chickens per year for the Jewish community. This exception was made after then-Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu lobbied against the law, claiming it was anti-Semitic. The current Minister of Agriculture, at the time of the law change, Nick Smith, was criticized for his lack of concern for animal welfare and for backing down.

Implications and Challenges

The necessity to import kosher meat from other countries significantly increases its cost. This not only makes the meat more expensive but may also encourage Jews to consider emigration. This scenario raises questions about the intended and unintended consequences of such laws.

Conclusion

The ban on preslaughter stunning in New Zealand has both positive and negative implications for halal and kosher slaughter practices. While halal follows specific guidelines to ensure the welfare of the animal, kosher slaughter practices can lead to unnecessary suffering. However, the current legal framework does not easily accommodate these practices. Understanding and addressing these challenges could help find a balance that upholds the welfare of animals while respecting the diverse religious practices of the communities.