BVA calls for labelling of non-stunned meat after survey shows support

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has renewed its calls to introduce labelling of non-stun slaughtered meat after a survey showed broad public support for the measure.

Conducted among 13,500 meat consumers across 27 EU member states, the report found that 72 percent of people want information of stunning of animals when buying meat.

The survey was commissioned in July 2011 to assess the public view after European Parliament proposals to include labelling of non-stun slaughtered meat were withdrawn in order to achieve a clearer consensus.

It comes after the recent Voice of the Veterinary Profession 2015 spring survey showed that requiring all animals be stunned before slaughter – or improving welfare at slaughter – was the top priority for the government among UK vets.

John Blackwell, president of the BVA, said: "The long-awaited release of this report gives renewed vigour to the BVA's campaign for better consumer information on animal welfare at slaughter and the need for meat from non-stun slaughter to be clearly labelled."