UK: UKIP backs shechita ban

Via Jewish News:

UKIP has joined the Green Party in backing a ban on no-stun slaughter, after 100,000 people signed an online petition to outlaw it.

In a devastating blow to the campaign in support of shechita, Jewish leaders said the party’s move – which represents a dramatic U-turn – was “opportunistic and a disappointing”.kosher-butcher

A UKIP spokesman said, “Animal and veterinary science has long concluded that cutting the throats of animals whilst they are fully conscious can cause significant distress and pain.”

He continued: “We see no reason why religious groups should not take into account the concerns of animal welfare when carrying out slaughter.”

Shimon Cohen of Shechita UK reacted angrily. “By joining the campaign to prioritise ‘animal welfare’ over the rights and beliefs of the UK’s faith communities UKIP has returned to the fringes of mainstream politics,” he said.