Protect Legal Exemptions for Non-Stun Religious Slaughter in the UK
We call on the UK Government to uphold existing legal exemptions that permit non-stun religious slaughter under the Welfare of Animals at the Time of Killing (WATOK) Regulations, and to resist any proposals to remove or restrict these exemptions without compelling scientific or legal justification.
Signatures
21
signatures
Government response threshold (10,000) · 21/10,000
Debate threshold (100,000) · 21/100,000
- 13 AUG 2025Petition rejectedalready-happening
The Government has set out that this is already happening in its response to this petition: https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/700557
- 02 JUN 2025Petition created
Background
The UK recognises non-stun slaughter under the WATOK regulations, balancing animal welfare with the right to religious freedom, as protected by the the Human Rights Act 1998 and the ECHR.
When Religious slaughter is carried out properly, animals lose consciousness quickly. The FSA monitors these practices to ensure animal welfare.
Singling out non-stun is scientifically and ethically unjust and requires an inclusive approach towards welfare standards in general.