The BC SPCA supports the initiative to establish evidence-based standards and clear expectations for the practice of slaughter without prior stunning. Nonetheless, since slaughter without prior stunning has been scientifically demonstrated to cause unnecessary suffering, the BC SPCA position is that governments should take more substantial action by eliminating the practice in Canada, or at the very least, by requiring immediate post-cut stunning of every animal.
The BC SPCA believes that the methods used to kill any animal must be humane. Read more about the BC SPCA’s position on humane killing and farm animal welfare.
Ritual slaughter practices are legally permitted under B.C.’s and Canada’s meat processing laws. They are also effectively exempt from prosecution under the B.C. Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, as they constitute “reasonable and generally accepted practices.”
The BC SPCA participated in the public consultation period held in 2017 to comment on standards for optimizing animal welfare outcomes during slaughter without stunning developed by the Council of Chief Veterinary Officers (CCVO). The BC SPCA was told that our position statement on the issue was considered, and we are pleased that the CCVO worked to address this animal welfare concern. We will continue to fight for stronger standards to prevent suffering of these animals, including pushing for third-party monitoring and inspection.
This is an issue that would be really important for government to hear from you on personally. We suggest writing to the Provincial and Federal Agriculture Ministers and copying in your local MLA and MP. It’s always really important that they hear directly from their constituents on these issues.