Belgium’s non-stun slaughter legislation gets BVA approval

In July 2017, Belgium’s government passed legislation banning non-stun slaughter which has now become law in the Flanders region, and will soon be legally binding in the Wallonia region. The British Veterinary Association has always supported the banning of non-stun slaughter, and has taken this opportunity to reemphasise the point.
John Fishwick, senior vice president of the British Veterinary Association, said: “Belgium follows several other countries including Iceland, Estonia, Sweden, Switzerland and Denmark in its decision to ban the slaughter of animals without prior stunning. This shows there is considerable strength of feeling on the issue and a ban would be possible within domestic law of EU member states. BVA would like to see all animals stunned before slaughter and this call has received widespread support from the veterinary profession and general public, including a petition with more than 120,000 signatures. Our focus on this has nothing to do with the expression of religious beliefs, but is about finding ways to reduce the welfare harm of non-stun slaughter. If slaughter without stunning continues to be permitted in the UK, then meat and fish from this source must be clearly labelled to help customers make informed choices about the food they buy and eat.”