Every year, countless animals and birds are subjected to religious slaughter practices in the UK that cause unnecessary suffering and pain. This is deeply personal for me because it represents a level of cruelty that is entirely avoidable and unacceptable in our society.

Religious slaughter often means that animals are not stunned before their throats are cut, which goes against the basic principles of humane treatment. Scientific evidence supports that animals feel pain, stress, and fear when they are not properly stunned, and there is no justification to allow these practices to continue when alternatives exist that align with humane standards.

Numerous countries in the European Union have already banned religious slaughter without prior stunning, indicating that progress can be made without infringing on religious freedoms. These countries have worked with religious communities to find solutions that respect cultural practices while prioritizing animal welfare.

The UK prides itself on being a nation of animal lovers, yet we are failing millions of animals every year by allowing them to suffer needlessly. To truly call ourselves compassionate and forward-thinking, we must take action against these cruel practices.

We urge the UK government to follow the example of our European neighbors and put an end to all religious slaughter of animals and birds in the UK. By doing so, we can ensure that all creatures are treated with the respect and dignity they deserve, aligning our laws with both scientific understanding and ethical standards.

Please sign this petition to persuade lawmakers to prohibit religious slaughter without stunning, and protect millions of animals from unneeded suffering.