More than 94 million cattle, sheep and poultry were slaughtered without being stunned in 2018
More than 94 million cattle, sheep and poultry were slaughtered in 2018 without being stunned first, figures have revealed.
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) 2018 slaughterhouse survey includes figures on how many cattle, sheep and poultry were slaughtered, in what way, and whether they were stunned or not, as well as where they were distributed to.
According to the figures, more than 94 million cattle, sheep and poultry were slaughtered without being stunned first.
They also revealed that nearly a quarter (24%) of sheep meat – around 750,000 sheep – that was not stunned before slaughter was exported from the UK.
Currently, the legal exemption that allows animals to be slaughtered without being stunned on religious grounds is aimed for domestic consumption only.
Latest @foodgov figures show 24% of non-stunned sheep meat (equating to 750,000 sheep) was exported in 2018, which is against the spirit of the law. We're calling on the Govt to stop non-stun meat export even as we push to #EndNonStun slaughter in the UK https://t.co/0iEg3zlIGx pic.twitter.com/jyJdPq46zC
— BVA (@BritishVets) February 15, 2019
The British Veterinary Association (BVA) said the figures, which it has been campaigning to be released, said while most of the exported meat was intended for EU markets, the figures raise questions about where the remainder is sent.
The BVA said the survey also revealed a lack of transparency around some exports, giving an example of 19% of sheep meat recorded as going to ‘unknown’ locations.
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BVA President Simon Doherty said: “The fact that nearly a quarter of non-stun sheep meat is being exported is highly significant, and we believe this goes against the spirit of the derogation that allows for non-stun slaughter purely for consumption by particular communities within the UK.
“It’s equally concerning that the export of some non-stun meat is going unreported, with a lack of clarity around where seven per cent of non-stun sheep meat is ending up due to incomplete slaughterhouse data.
“While we’re pleased that the data has finally been made available thanks to joined-up work between the FSA and English and Welsh governments, clearly there is still a lot of work to do around ensuring that data is as robust and transparent as possible.
“We strongly believe that all non-stun slaughter should be banned in the UK in the interests of reducing welfare harm.
“However, while it continues, the government must make moves to cease the export of non-stun meat. Allowing this practice is out of keeping with legislation designed to limit it to meet domestic demand only.”
