Abstract
Veterinarians play a vital role in safeguarding the welfare of animals and protecting
public health during the slaughter of farm animals for human consumption. With the continued
increase in the number of animals slaughtered for religious communities in the UK, this study
evaluates the perception and level of understanding of religious slaughter issues by veterinary
students at various stages of their studies. The results showed a significant effect of the year of study
on respondents’ understanding of the regulations governing Halal slaughter and other related issues.
Whilst the prevalence of vegetarianism and veganism were higher than the general UK population,
the majority of respondents were meat eaters who indicated that they prefer meat from humanely
slaughtered (pre-stunned) animals, irrespective of whether slaughter was performed with an Islamic
prayer (Halal) or not.
public health during the slaughter of farm animals for human consumption. With the continued
increase in the number of animals slaughtered for religious communities in the UK, this study
evaluates the perception and level of understanding of religious slaughter issues by veterinary
students at various stages of their studies. The results showed a significant effect of the year of study
on respondents’ understanding of the regulations governing Halal slaughter and other related issues.
Whilst the prevalence of vegetarianism and veganism were higher than the general UK population,
the majority of respondents were meat eaters who indicated that they prefer meat from humanely
slaughtered (pre-stunned) animals, irrespective of whether slaughter was performed with an Islamic
prayer (Halal) or not.
Original language | English |
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Title of host publication | Human and Animal Sensitivity |
Subtitle of host publication | How Stock-People and Consumer Perception Can Affect Animal Welfare |
Publisher | MDPI AG |
Pages | 88-96 |
ISBN (Electronic) | 978-3-03921-262-0 |
ISBN (Print) | 978-3-03921-261-3 |
Publication status | Published - 2019 |