Inhumane Animal Slaughter

RSPCA Victoria believes that any slaughter without stunning is inhumane. We are appalled that the Federal Agricultural Minister Peter McGauran, has sanctioned this practice in the first place and now intends to allow it to continue while he undertakes a review.

In a Media Release dated August 3 the Minister announced an immediate review of the standards and guidelines for the ritual slaughtering of Australian livestock, after it was revealed that AQIS had granted special permission to Midfield abattoir which is processing meat for Israel and the Middle East.

Mr. McGauran said, “The review will examine scientific evidence from international experts in the field of animal slaughter.” So the Minister intends to re-visit issues which have long ago been proven – when and if animals feel pain.


Under the Australian standards for religious slaughter, the animal must be stunned by electric shock immediately before or after the throat is cut. However there is scope for special arrangements for slaughter without stunning to be made. These special arrangements have been granted by AQIS – special arrangements that sanction animal cruelty.

RSPCA Victoria President Dr Hugh Wirth AM KSJ said export dollars from the Middle East could not justify the inhumane slaughter of animals in Australia.

“It is unacceptable to allow religion to override local animal cruelty laws. Killing an animal without stunning is cruel,” said Dr Wirth AM KSJ.

What you can do to help:

It is the RSPCA’s position that the Australian Government must legislate to cease the practice of ritual slaughter without stunning. 

We seek the support of the community to communicate with the Federal Government in the strongest possible terms that such inhumane treatment of animals is not acceptable.

For addresses for letters, please refer to 'How you can Help' section above. Top, right hand side