Acceptability of Electrical Stunning and Post-Cut Stunning Among Muslim Communities: A Possible Dialogue
As Muslim populations in Europe increase, so too does friction between European regulations for humane slaughter (which require stunning) and traditional methods of Jewish and Muslim slaughter, which specifically prohibit animals from sustaining injury prior to cutting of the neck. Though Halal and Kosher slaughter are exempt from the same rules on stunning, as populations increase, the pressure for updating traditional practices builds. Using Reggio Emilia in Italy (with a Muslim population of 10.1%) as a case study, researchers gathered together various stakeholders in the Muslim community for an open dialogue on whether or not methods of stunning could be employed during slaughter in a way that still met with ritual requirements. Slaughter demonstrations were held and those in attendance of these demonstrations showed interest in the proposals and further dialogue is ongoing.
Oddly enough, though, both European stunning practices and Halal slaughter both have their root in the same idea: reducing suffering of the animal before and during the slaughter process. Although the gap in cultural understandings between Western and Middle-Eastern views is deep, some recent surveys show Muslim communities in Europe are divide on the issue and willing to hear alternative viewpoints. What’s more, some prominent Muslim leaders have declared fatwas over the years that declare that stunning is acceptable practice.
Slaughter demonstrations were held where two different stunning methods were demonstrated: electronarcosis immediately before slaughter, using electrical current to the head where the stunning would last until the animal had bled out; and captive bolt stunning immediately after the throat is cut, reducing the instance of pain to the throat cut itself. Those in attendance of these demonstrations showed interest in the proposals and further dialogue is ongoing.
As technology advances and newer stunning methods are made available, the researchers urge a continued dialogue on this issue, as they believe there is a way to do this that not only promotes animal welfare, but is also respectful of Jewish and Muslim traditions.