Between 2009 and 2019, we filmed undercover in 16 slaughterhouses across the UK, including non-stun facilities, where the animal suffering we witnessed was deeply disturbing.
Of those 16 slaughterhouses, the majority were facilities that attempt to stun animals prior to slaughter, and yet we still found shocking cases of animal suffering, including deliberate abuse and – worryingly – animals being improperly stunned. We are unconvinced that electric tongs used in mainstream – ‘humane’ – methods of slaughter, even when used properly, render an animal ‘instantly insensible’, as claimed. Rather, they might simply deliver an agonising, immobilising electric shock.
Jewish and Muslim religious authorities assert that death by shechita or halal methods without pre-stunning is instantaneous and painless. A body of evidence has demonstrated that this is not credible, and our own investigative footage has removed any doubt, demonstrating violence and contempt towards animals, and killing done not with a single, clean cut but by hacking at their throats with a blunt knife. Many consumers of halal and shechita products do not realise this, instead believing what they are told by the authorities – in much the same way that mainstream methods of slaughter also harm animals and mislead consumers.
That’s why our position is that compassionate people, whatever their religious beliefs, will be appalled by any and all exploitation and harm of animals. Attacks on halal and shechita ‘ritual’ slaughter methods by people who refuse to speak out against ‘humane’ slaughter are rooted in bigotry and hypocrisy. Whatever method is used to kill animals, there is no mercy in a slaughterhouse and no animal goes willingly.