The European Court of Human Rights Rules in Favor of Animal Welfare
Avesa, the Scientific Society of Public Health dedicated to promoting veterinary science and ensuring animal welfare, has emphasized the importance of adequate stunning prior to slaughter as a measure to mitigate the suffering of sacrificed animals. This complex issue has legal, ethical, and cultural implications, and recently, the ruling of the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) has endorsed the prohibition of ritual sacrifice of animals without prior stunning for halal and kosher rituals in certain regions of Europe.
The ECHR’s ruling, which came on Tuesday, February 13, supports the prohibition as a means to safeguard animal welfare. The judges concluded that the protection of animal welfare can be linked to public morality and does not violate the freedom of religion or prohibition of discrimination. They further explained that the national authorities did not exceed their discretion and took a justified and proportionate measure to protect animal welfare.
The court also took into account the provisions made by the Walloon and Flemish parliaments for a “proportionate alternative” to mandatory prior stunning, allowing reversible stunning for religious rituals that require special methods.
The ECHR rejected the argument that the prohibition makes it difficult for Muslim and Jewish communities to access meat obtained in accordance with their religious convictions, pointing out that meat obtained according to religious rites can still be imported from regions or countries where these practices are allowed.
This ruling raises questions about whether the general legal guidelines established by the EU for all Member States should be questioned. Animal welfare is a growing concern for European consumers, who demand not only healthier and safer food but also food obtained through practices that ensure adequate animal protection.
Avesa, in line with scientific studies, supports the ruling and emphasizes the importance of legal norms in legislating for animal welfare in the European Union. The protection and welfare of animals has been a community value since the Treaty establishing the European Community, and it is also part of the European Union’s “Farm to Fork” Strategy, which aims to make agricultural and livestock practices more sustainable through an integrated food policy.
The protection of animals at the time of slaughter is a matter of public interest, influencing consumer attitudes towards agricultural and livestock products. AVESA recognizes animal welfare as an essential part of the food safety strategy within the EU framework.