Frequently Asked Questions
Is the halal method painful?
Minimally painful and complete bleeding is required during halal slaughter, which is difficult to perform in large animals. Accles & Shelvoke, veterinarians and animal welfare campaigners have long campaigned for captive bolt stunning, which is the preferred dispatch method in slaughterhouse operations because the animal doesn’t suffer.
What is the difference between halal and haram slaughter?
“Halal meat” is a term that refers to meat that is allowed for consumption in the religion of Islam. This includes the type of meat that is allowed and the method used to slaughter the meat. “Haram meat” is the opposite of halal meat which is meat that is not permitted for consumption.
How is halal carried out in Australia?
It consists of a swift, deep incision to the throat with a very sharp knife, cutting the windpipe, jugular veins and carotid arteries on both sides but leaving the spinal cord intact. The butcher must call upon the name of Allah (Bismillah) individually for each animal.
For halal slaughter in Australia, all export and most domestic slaughtering establishments must comply with standard slaughter practices where animals are stunned before slaughter.