Picture caption: (Left to right) RSPCA Cymru’s Steve Carter with Rob Davies, President of the BVA Welsh Branch at RSPCA Cymru’s stand at the Royal Welsh
A RSPCA Cymru petition, backed by the British Veterinary Association, calling for an end to non-stun slaughter was officially launched today (Monday 21st July).
Current law in Wales requires animals to be stunned before slaughter – but exemptions exist for certain communities.
RSPCA Cymru’s Steve Carter and President of the BVA Welsh Branch Rob Davies kicked-off the campaign at the Royal Welsh Agricultural Show, calling on the Welsh Government to end these exemptions and implement an outright ban on slaughter without stunning in Wales.
Speaking at the launch, RSPCA Cymru’s Steve Carter said: “It is hoped this petition, with the support of the BVA, will demonstrate the strength of feeling which exists on this issue across Wales.
“Non-stun slaughter compromises animal welfare – and I hope the Welsh Government follows others such as Sweden, Latvia and New Zealand and introduces a complete ban in Wales.”
Rob Davies, President of the BVA Welsh Branch, added: “Concern about welfare of animals at slaughter is one of the top priorities for our members and we have long advocated an end to non-stun slaughter.
“The BVA’s HM Government e-petition has already attracted over 70,000 signatures which demonstrates just how important this issue is to consumers. We hope that veterinary surgeons and the general public get behind the campaign to tell Welsh Government that we don’t want non-stun slaughter in Wales.”
Supporters can also sign the petition by visiting http://www.rspca.org.uk/getinvolved/campaign/slaughter.
