Dear Lord Rooker

I was deeply disappointed that the Government has decided not to implement the recommendation of the Farm Animal Welfare Council that slaughter without prestunning should be banned in the UK. This decision is particularly unjustifiable in the light of the Government’s recognition that animals slaughtered in this way are “likely to experience very significant pain and distress.” Bearing in mind that the exemption rests on the basis that “unnecessary suffering” is not caused to animals, it seems untenable for the Government to continue to support it.

I also believe that religious freedom does not justify this practice. Practices such as polygamy, corporal and capital punishment and genital mutilation, which are either prescribed or permitted by religious law in other countries, are not permitted in the UK because they are considered to be morally unacceptable. The severe animal suffering caused by this form of slaughter makes it equally unacceptable and the same rule should apply in this case. Furthermore, many Muslims and Jews already accept prestunning slaughter and many are actually vegetarian – their religious beliefs do not oblige them to eat meat killed in this way. The Government must not hide behind the issue of religious freedom to avoid taking action.

The Government has stated that it will seek only minor changes in this practice on a voluntary basis. This is a totally inadequate response to a major animal welfare problem, affecting around 10 million animals per year. Slaughter without prestunning has been banned in Norway, Sweden and New Zealand. It is time for Britain to take immediate positive action to address this very important issue.

I look forward to your reply.

Yours sincerely etc