The religious ritual slaughter of conscious animals will be allowed to continue at some Australian abattoirs, after a decision by federal and state agriculture ministers.
The move has angered animal welfare groups, which have waited two years for a review ordered by the previous federal government into the practice of ritually slaughtering animals by cutting their throats while they are still conscious for some halal and kosher exports to the Middle East.
RSPCA Australia said it was an ”unconscionable decision” for a government that said it was committed to animal welfare. ”No animal should have to feel the pain of having its throat cut while fully conscious – it is simply cruel and inhumane,” said the RSPCA’s scientific officer, Melina Tensen.
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The Age, 10 November 2009
