A regulation protecting religious slaughter in the European Union was welcomed by British Jewry this week, following a ruling enshrining into EU law legislation that will protect shechita from those who may seek to ban it in the future.

The new law, which was approved last month and formally voted through on Monday, recognises the validity of slaughter through religious methods and enforces that kosher meat may be sold freely throughout EU member states.

Shechita UK Chairman Henry Grunwald told the Jewish News the ruling "shows just what can be achieved with communal cooperation", adding: "The new EU regulation will ensure that our community and communities across Europe will continue to practise shechita. This regulation protects the fundamental rights of Europe's religious minorities."

The news came as several media outlets reported on findings from the Farm Animal Welfare Council claiming kosher and halal slaughter practices - which require the animal not be pre-stunned before killing- cause the beasts "significant pain and distress".

The report, published originally on 28 May, called on the British government to "launch a debate" with the Jewish and Muslim communities to end religious slaughter.

http://www.totallyjewish.com/news/national/?content_id=12015