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EmailIphone Application    Posted: 4th November 2014
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Consumers "should be better informed" about slaughter
chickens
Just 11 per cent feel the public understands the difference between stunned and non-stunned slaughter.
Only 11 per cent of vets believe the public understand the difference between stun and non-stun

The vast majority of vets think consumers need a better understanding of slaughter methods, according to new BVA figures. Very few vets believe members of the public understand the difference between stunned and non-stunned slaughter.

Figures on vets' attitudes to slaughter have been released to coincide with a parliamentary debate taking place today (November 4), on the slaughter of animals in accordance with religious rites.

According to the Voice of the Veterinary Profession survey findings, 94 per cent of vets believe consumers should be better informed, and just 11 per cent feel the public understands the difference between stunned and non-stunned slaughter.

Earlier this year the BVA launched a #stunb4slaughter campaign which calls for an end to non-stun slaughter for animal welfare reasons. Its government e-petition is nearing 80,000 signatures.

Current UK and EU law requires animals to be stunned, rendering them insensible to pain, before slaughter. An exception in the law allows animals to be slaughtered without pre-stunning among some religious communities.

Meat labelling will be discussed at the parliamentary meeting secured by Neil Parish MP today. MPs will not vote at the end of the debate, but BVA hopes its e-petition will garner 100,000 votes, triggering a full parliamentary debate with a vote.

BVA president John Blackwell said: "There is much more to be done to educate the general public about welfare at slaughter. We know that UK consumers care about animal welfare but our members believe that there needs to be better understanding about methods of slaughter and how that impacts on welfare.

"We believe labelling that clearly explains the method of slaughter would help all consumers make informed choices about the products they wish to buy."

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Webinar to explore AMR in vet dentistry

News Story 1
 The WSAVA has invited veterinary professionals to a webinar on responsible antibiotic usage in dentistry.

On 19 November 2025, at 1am, Dr J Scott Weese and Dr Brooke Niemiec will share the latest advice for antimicrobial use. They will present research on oral bacterology, and explain how attendees can choose appropriate antibiotics.

The session will cover pre-, intra- and post-operative guidelines, with recommendations for various pathologies.

The webinar is designed to support veterinary professionals to make informed decisions and tackle antimicrobial resistance.

Attendees can register here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Dechra launches checklist for veterinary sustainability

Global animal health specialist Dechra has announced the world's first Veterinary Green Theatre Checklist (VGTC) to help make surgery more sustainable.

Endorsed by leading veterinary organisations, including the BEVA, BVNA and RCVS Knowledge, the checklist is designed to reduce the environmental footprint of veterinary care, while supporting better animal health outcomes.

The checklist was launched at the World Congress of Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia in Paris and will be followed by an internal training and awareness campaign. For more information, visit dechra.com