Kosher Meat Debate

Last Wednesday, the European Parliament backed legalizing kosher meat in all European Union countries. The new law states that kosher meat may be sold and traded freely—a decision that animal rights groups oppose, declaring that the method of slaughter is inhumane. According to the laws of “shechita,” which dictates how animals should be slaughtered according to Jewish religious methods, the animals that are slaughtered cannot be pre-stunned. The Farm Animal Welfare Council claims that kosher and halal methods cause animals “significant pain and distress.” The ruling also comes with news welcomed by animal advocates: Slaughterhouses will have a specific person assigned to be responsible for animal welfare and to ensure that workers are properly trained.